European Union: Polish Prime Minister summoned to explain controversial judicial reform – franceinfo

A face-to-face meeting awaited at the top of Europe. The head of the Polish nationalist conservative government, Mateusz Morawiecki, will speak on Tuesday, October 19, at his request, to MEPs meeting in Strasbourg. In particular, he will be called on to explain himself after the recent thunderclap caused by the decision of the Polish Constitutional Court challenging the primacy of European law. He will speak during a debate scheduled for the morning in the European Parliament, in which the President of the Commission, Ursula von der Leyen will participate.

>> Why does Poland’s questioning of European law make the EU tremble?

The Polish leader, in open conflict with Brussels for several years over the controversial judicial reforms implemented by the right-wing populist party, Law and Justice (PiS), is expected to stand firm in the hemicycle. Many MEPs are demanding that the Commission initiate proceedings against Warsaw that could lead to the suspension of payments of European funds.

The European executive, as guardian of the treaties, is preparing its response to the historic judgment handed down on October 7 by the Polish Constitutional Court. Requested by the Prime Minister, this court close to the ruling party ruled certain articles of the EU treaties “incompatible” with the national constitution.

This questioning of the primacy of European law has been condemned in Brussels, in the European Parliament and by member states such as France and Germany. It raised fears of “Polexit” and prompted tens of thousands of Poles to show their attachment to the EU. Hungary, also in the crosshairs of Brussels for attacks on the rule of law, expressed its support in Warsaw. Poland currently sees – like Hungary – its stimulus plan blocked by the Commission for these questions of judicial independence and an upcoming approval seems unlikely.