EU acts against Poland judiciary reforms

The EU has launched unprecedented disciplinary measures against Poland, saying its planned judicial reforms threaten the rule of law. It said 13 new laws in two years have allowed the government to “interfere significantly” in the judiciary. Poland has been given three months to address the concerns. But the Polish conservative government called the decision […]

The EU has launched unprecedented disciplinary measures against Poland, saying its planned judicial reforms threaten the rule of law.

It said 13 new laws in two years have allowed the government to “interfere significantly” in the judiciary.

Poland has been given three months to address the concerns.

But the Polish conservative government called the decision “political”. It has said the reforms are needed to curb inefficiency and corruption.

The disciplinary measures, called Article 7, could lead to the suspension of Poland’s voting rights at EU summits.

But Hungary has said it would block such a move, known as the “nuclear option”, that requires the approval of all member states.

After almost two years monitoring the situation in Poland, the European Commission – the EU executive – said this was a matter of “common concern” for the bloc.