The EU will allocate funds to Poland in recognition of the new government's efforts to bring the country in line with the rule of law, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced after a meeting with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, AFP reports.
"Two decisions will be taken next week on European funds," Ursula von der Leyen said, referring to the total of up to 137 billion euros in European funds for reconstruction and cohesion, blocked after years of opposition between Brussels and the previous government.
"Your efforts are important, given the reforms you have launched and the measures you have taken on the independence of the courts," she praised during a meeting with the media.
The head of the European executive welcomed the action plan that the Polish government presented to member states this week, "a very strong statement, a clear roadmap for Poland".
The main points of the plan presented by Poland to restore the independence of the judiciary concern the status of the National Council of the Judiciary, the Supreme Court, the Constitutional Court and the ordinary courts, as well as the separation of the functions of the Minister of Justice and the head of the National Prosecutor's Office.
Warsaw has already adopted or launched a number of initiatives and draft laws aimed at bringing the judiciary in line with democratic standards.
In December 2017, the European Commission activated Article 7 of the EU Treaty against Poland, foreseen in case of threats to the rule of law.
This procedure - which has since also been triggered against Hungary - could theoretically result in the suspension of a country's voting rights in the EU Council. / BGNES
