EU takes disciplinary measures against Poland

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The European Commission triggered Article 7 on Wednesday to suspend Poland's voting rights in the EU with Brussels saying that Poland's judicial reforms, which had caused the current dispute, threaten the rule of law.

The Article 7, which had never been used before, is seen as a "nuclear option" against EU member states.

"It is with a heavy heart that we have decided to initiate Article 7.1. But the facts leave us with no choice," EU Commission Vice President Frans Timmermans, who has been in talks with the Polish government for two years, told reporters in Brussels.

European Commission First Vice-President Frans Timmermans addresses a news conference at the EU Commission headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, December 20, 2017. /Reuters Photo

"Judicial reforms in Poland mean that the country’s judiciary is now under the political control of the ruling majority. In the absence of judicial independence, serious questions are raised about the effective application of EU law," the commission said in a statement.

The Polish government began to reform its judiciary two years ago arguing that changes are necessary to fight corruption. Meanwhile Brussels repeatedly warned the move could threaten EU's democratic principle, to which Poland signed when joining the bloc.

Last week, Poland's parliament adopted new reforms allowing it to choose members of a body designed to protect judicial independence and reinforce political control over the Supreme Court.

Beata Mazurek, Polish ruling Law and Justice (PiS) party spokeswoman, condemned the EU’s decision, saying it is "politically motivated."

Beata Mazurek, Polish ruling Law and Justice (PiS) party spokeswoman /PAP Photo

"This decision has no merit, it is in our opinion solely a political decision," she was quoted by Poland’s news agency PAP as saying.

The EU has now given Poland three months to address their concerns. However, if 22 out of EU's 28 member states and the EU Parliament are not satisfied, more sanctions will be imposed on Poland.

Hungary's Deputy Prime Minister on Wednesday said Hungary will "defend" Poland and will veto EU's decision against Poland.

Nevertheless, Timmermans said the EU is open for dialogue if Poland's new Prime Minister Mateusz Morawieck could change the reform situation.