EU summit: facing Poland, Europeans between dialogue and firmness

Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki addresses the media on the first day of the EU Summit, in Brussels, October 21, 2021. AFP - OLIVIER HOSLET

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The standoff between Poland and the European Union was on the menu of discussions this Thursday in Brussels, on the occasion of the summit of EU leaders.

What is at stake is the primacy of European law over national law, contested by Poland, which calls into question the very foundations of the EU in the eyes of many European leaders.

Leaders divided on the strategy to adopt in the face of Warsaw, between firmness and a desire for dialogue.

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The strongest statements against Warsaw at the start of this European summit came unsurprisingly from the Dutch Prime Minister.

Mark Rutte as usual is uncompromising against Poland.

“ 

The independence of the Polish judicial system is a key issue, Poland must take the necessary measures.

It is non-negotiable,

 ”he declared on his arrival in Brussels.

►Also read: EU: against Poland, the European Commission examines its retaliatory options

Several European leaders are equally concerned about the crisis that has opened with Poland, but some of the 27 hope not to arrive at legal sanctions against Warsaw.

This is the case of Germany and its Chancellor, Angela Merkel, who reaffirmed on her arrival in Brussels her intention to maintain an open dialogue with Warsaw.

Call for dialogue from France

France also refuses to slam the door in the face of Polish leaders.

According to the Élysée, during a one-to-one meeting with the Polish Prime Minister, Emmanuel Macron called for dialogue to find a solution " 

compatible with our principles and our common rules

 ".

A sign that the rag has not yet completely burned between Warsaw and its European interlocutors, Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki also said he was ready for dialogue.

“ 

But we will not act under the pressure of blackmail,

 ” he said.

It is an allusion to the Polish stimulus plan and to the tens of billions of euros currently frozen by the European Commission.

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  • European Union

  • Poland