09/06/2022 16:47 (act 09/06/2022 16:47)
Poland’s parliament passed a bill to abolish the controversial disciplinary body. The dissolution of the chamber was one of the conditions on which the EU Commission made the release of the Polish crown recovery plan dependent.
“A dark Russian cloud hangs over Poland. We have to work together today, we need unity in this important vote,” Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki appealed to lawmakers before the decision was taken.
The amendment dates back to a bill introduced by President Andrzej Duda in February. Provides for the dissolution of the Disciplinary Chamber of the Federal Supreme Court, which can punish and dismiss any judge. The supreme judges who currently work there may move to another chamber or retire. A new “Professional Accountability Chamber” will be created in place of the controversial Disciplinary Chamber. The law now has to be signed by Duda.
Last week, after a long dispute with the Polish government, the EU Commission agreed on a plan for the payment of aid to Corona. The country can expect more than 35 billion euros. Approval of the Polish plan was repeatedly delayed because von der Leyen criticized glaring flaws in the Polish constitutional state and initially called for reforms. The European Parliament, in particular, criticized the European Commission’s decision to approve the construction plan.
Finally, on Thursday, a large majority of MEPs in Strasbourg voted in favor of a resolution harshly criticizing the European Commission’s decision. Parliamentarians point to ongoing violations of the rule of law in Poland and emphasize that compliance with EU values must be a prerequisite for access to the Corona Fund. Poland must implement all relevant judgments of the European Court of Justice and the European Court of Human Rights before the national development plan can be approved by EU states. In Parliament’s opinion, the targets set out in the plan are not enough.