All EU member states supported the closure of the procedure, except for Hungary – a move seen as political obstructionism.
This development is expected to strengthen Poland's standing within the EU, highlighting its efforts to align with European standards of governance and rule of law. Poland, therefore, looks set to avoid potential sanctions, including financial penalties or suspension of voting rights.
Initiated in December 2017 under Article 7 of the EU Treaty, the procedure addressed concerns about the independence of the country's judiciary under the previous Law and Justice (PiS)-led government.
Following the October elections, the new government implemented changes which have been recognized by the Commission as steps toward restoring judicial independence.
In a statement in Brussels, Justice Minister Adam Bodnar highlighted the progress made and the ongoing commitment to judicial reform.
"What we do every day and the way we operate, improving the situation of Polish judges and the judiciary, and how we conduct the legislative process, I think, is sufficient to say that there is no clear risk of further breaches of the rule of law standards. Of course, we all realize that we are in the process of repairing the system. Every day, we build trust between the Polish government and European institutions. I am convinced that this should be sufficient," he said, as quoted by Polish Radio’s IAR news agency.
European Affairs Minister Adam Szłapka commented on the situation, underscoring the potential end of a period of tension between Poland and the EU: "This is an important step forward for Poland in the European Union." He added that the procedure could be terminated "within days."
(rt/jh)
Source: IAR
