Today, the highest Polish judge declared that EU laws are less important than Polish laws. This means that Poland can in principle ignore European rules. The Polish government has been on a collision course with Brussels for some time, due in part to attacks on gays, journalists, and judges.
The ministry has not said anything substantial on this issue so far. “We are studying the verdict,” the spokesman said.
The European Commission said in a written statement earlier today that it was “extremely concerned” about the ruling. The day-to-day administration of the European Union assures that EU law takes precedence over national law.
Crisis within the European Union
In Brussels and Luxembourg, where the European Court of Justice is located, there was a bitter reaction to the verdict of Poland’s highest judge. According to insiders, the “uprising” of the Polish Constitutional Court could lead to a crisis within the European Union or even the exit of Poland from the European Union.
European Commissioner Didier Reynders (Justice) says the commission will “use all means to ensure Poland respects the EU treaty”. He declares “quick action” without further explanation.
According to MEP Jeroen Lenaers (CDA), Poland is moving further and further away from the EU path. Polish authorities and the ruling PiS claim they are not looking for Polexit, but it’s hard to believe when you look at their actions.
That’s enough, the Polish government has lost credibility with this statement. “The EU cannot stand idly by while Warsaw undermines the rule of law in this way.”
send signal
Tineke Strik (GroenLinks) believes that “the Polish government cannot expect to continue to benefit from the benefits of European cooperation if it questions the European legal system”.
She points out that the European Commission, the day-to-day administration of the European Union, has the option of shutting down the money spout. “The commission must do everything in its power to prevent European money from getting into the country. It is important to send a clear signal today: anyone who tampers with EU institutions can expect to be sidelined.”
Tens of billions of euros
Tens of billions of euros are available to Poland in the coming years, among other things to help overcome the economic disadvantage in certain regions of the country and support the transition to a sustainable society.
Poland also presented a spring recovery plan worth 36 billion euros. That plan has not yet been approved by the Commission because it is subject to rule-of-law conditions.
