Europe (Washington Insider Magazine)— The European Commission has announced the resolution of a long-standing dispute with Poland regarding the rule of law. In a statement on Monday, the commission indicated its intention to withdraw the Article 7 procedure initiated in December 2017, following the formation of a new centrist government in Warsaw that is taking steps to restore judicial independence.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen heralded this development as a “new chapter for Poland,” attributing the breakthrough to the country’s determined reform efforts. The EU acknowledged that Poland has undertaken a series of legislative and non-legislative measures to address concerns about the independence of its judiciary.
Poland has also affirmed its commitment to EU law supremacy and agreed to implement the judgments of the Court of Justice of the European Union and the European Court of Human Rights.
Polish Minister of Justice Adam Bodnar expressed gratitude on social media, stating, “Great news from Brussels today! Thank you President @vonderleyen for the cooperation and support! Poland is consequently bringing back rule of law. We are determined and devoted to our common European values.”
The conflict between the EU and Poland escalated after the nationalist Law and Justice party took power in 2015, implementing reforms perceived to undermine judicial independence. In response, the EU had restricted Poland’s access to EU funds and initiated the Article 7 procedure to suspend the country’s voting rights. This measure, often referred to as the EU’s “nuclear option,” has never been fully executed due to the requirement for unanimous agreement in the European Council.
