EU: Poland will only get the money from the recovery plan if it reforms its justice
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen next to Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki (l) and President Andrzej Duda (r) during a press conference, during her visit to Poland to mark the acceptance of the country's national recovery plan, in Warsaw, Poland on June 2, 2022. REUTERS - KACPER PEMPEL
Text by: RFI Follow
2 mins
In Poland, a visit to mark what is a turning point, according to the Polish government.
The President of the European Commission was in Warsaw this Thursday, June 2 on the occasion of the validation of the Polish recovery plan, after a year of blockage.
Poland was in the crosshairs of the EU because of its attacks on the independence of justice.
But Ursula Von der Leyen finally decided to give the green light, while reminding Warsaw that Poland will only be able to receive money in the event of judicial reform.
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With our correspondent in Warsaw
,
Sarah Bakaloglou
Poland has taken in millions of Ukrainian refugees.
It is also one of the targets of Russia's energy blackmail.
This is what Ursula Von der Leyen recalled, as if to justify the green light given by the European Commission in Warsaw.
An approval with conditions, however, recalled Ursula Von der Leyen: “
The validation of this plan is linked to a clear commitment from Poland in favor of the independence of justice.
Today, our approval is an important step, it is a first step since the money will only be paid when the reforms and investments are put in place.
We are not at the end of the road when it comes to the rule of law in Poland
”.
The European Commission has imposed three conditions on Poland, including the abolition of a controversial Disciplinary Chamber for judges.
At his side, Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki insisted on reaffirming the Polish position.
“
We want a strong Europe that can respect the sovereignty of states.
We started the process of reforming the judicial system a few years ago, and in this context, in my opinion, there have been several needless incidents or collisions in recent years.
Our dear opposition succeeded in convincing certain officials in Brussels that this was a violation of the rule of law
”.
Last year, the
Polish Constitutional Court
questioned the primacy of European law over Polish law.
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See also The EU gives the green light to the Polish recovery plan
The @EU_Commission has endorsed Poland's €35 billion recovery and resilience plan under #NextGenerationEU
The plan will contribute to the decarbonisation the 🇵🇱 economy while boosting its energy security.
https://t.co/stJm8obP6t
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) June 2, 2022
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European Union
Ursula von der Leyen
Poland
Andrzej Duda