Poland Set for Collision Course With EU Over Democracy Probe
- Rules provide stable basis for court to function, cabinet says
- Government critical of EU Vice President Timmermans’ comments
Poland brushed off concerns from the European Union that it’s backsliding on democracy and the rule of law with a revamp of its constitutional court, setting itself on a collision course with allies who are trying to stop the anti-establishment tide threatening the bloc.
In a response to recommendations made by the European Commission in December to restore checks and balances, the government said the disputed changes it’s made to the Constitutional Tribunal had strengthened rule of law. If the commission deems Poland’s answers as unsatisfactory, it has the right to use Article 7 of the bloc’s treaty to potentially seek sanctions including the suspension of voting rights. Poland expects its response to end the probe, its foreign minister said.