Analysis: "Now the taximeter is starting to tick for Poland's EU defiance"

The EU has so far appeared toothless despite Poland's defiance.

Sharp words and condemnations - but no real consequences.

The so-called rule of law mechanism, which could mean missing EU money for the country that does not follow the Union's fundamental values, has not yet been used.

The European Court of Justice is now awarding the highest daily fine ever, EUR 1 million, for petrol on the fire in an already infected situation.

"… Necessary to avoid serious and irreparable damage to the legal system in the EU," they write in a press release.

"Extortion!"

Poland's Deputy Minister of Justice Sebastian Kaleta announces on twitter.

Part of a larger conflict

The EU summit last week was marked by the ruling in Poland that Polish law trumps EU law.

Almost all the leaders on the ground scolded the Polish Prime Minister Morawiecki and gave the European Commission rye in the back - it's time to mark, maybe even hold back the Corona recovery fund.

It is about the equivalent of over SEK 200 billion in grants, so it would really feel.

Today's message is about a previous conflict on the same theme.

The Supreme Court's Disciplinary Board in Poland, which, among other things, has the power to revoke judges' immunity from prosecution and reduce their salaries.

Critics say it is a way for Poland's leading party to control the judiciary.

The European Court of Justice agrees and this summer called on Poland to dissolve this disciplinary committee.

Morawiecki has promised to stop or at least reform this disciplinary committee, but so far nothing has happened, which is now starting to cost money.

Is the fear of Polexit too great?

That countries that are judged to be violating EU law are sentenced to a fine by the European Court of Justice happens from time to time, Sweden has also been affected.

But this is a record sum and thus comes in the middle of an ongoing position war.

Maybe Poland will keep its promise, dissolve this disciplinary committee and thus avoid fines.

But what will be the next step in the great battle for the country's judiciary?

Despite massive criticism last week, both in parliament and at the summit, Morawiecki was defiant: We decide on our own laws.

Should the European Commission take the step fully and withhold the really big money?

Or is the fear of triggering chain reactions that could ultimately lead to a Polish exit from the EU too great?