Speech: Opening Remarks of First Vice-President Frans Timmermans - Press Conference on Rule of Law in Poland

I'd like to give you an update on our ongoing talks with the Polish authorities concerning the rule of law, and explain why we have decided today to send a rule of law opinion to the Polish authorities.

As you know, the European Union is built on a common set of values, enshrined in the Treaty. These values include respect for the rule of law. That is how this organisation functions, that is how our Member States ensure the equal application of EU law across the European Union. Making sure the rule of law is preserved is a collective responsibility of the EU institutions and of all Member States. And it is part of the Commission's role as guardian of the Treaty.

Since mid-January we have been in an intensive dialogue with the Polish government under the Rule of Law Framework. We launched these talks in a cooperative spirit, to help find solutions; solutions that will have to be found in Poland between the Polish parties concerned. We can offer some advice.

As you know I have travelled twice to Warsaw to discuss the issues with the Polish government. We have also exchanged letters and spoken regularly, and our teams have been talking at the technical level. Our exchanges with the Polish authorities have always been constructive.

Just last night I spoke with Prime Minister Szydło and I am pleased that she confirmed that she wants our dialogue to continue.

However, despite our best efforts, until now we have not been able yet to find solutions to the main issues at stake.

To briefly refresh your memory, the issues that concern us are the composition of the Constitutional Tribunal - Poland's highest court - the publication of its judgments and the respect for them, and the reform of the court's functioning through a law known as the Constitutional Tribunal Act.

The Commission wants to help the Polish authorities to find a solution to the situation, and this is the purpose of the process we are in right now. Our Rule of Law Framework allows the Commission to present its assessment to the Polish authorities in written form, which is what we have decided to do today.

The Polish authorities now have the opportunity to reply and we will continue our dialogue in a structured way based on this exchange.

Let me be clear that the Commission does not intend and does not wish to involve itself in a political debate in Poland. Political issues in Poland are the business of politicians in Poland, not of the European Commission. Our business is preserving the rule of law, in line with our responsibilities under the Treaties.

We want to encourage progress and help Poland to find rapid and effective solutions. We will do whatever we can to assist the process and bring it to a close.

Today we have decided to send to the Polish authorities a clear assessment of the issues we believe need to be addressed. And I hope this will take the dialogue forward.

I truly look forward to continuing our discussions with the Polish authorities in a constructive spirit.

Thank you.

SPEECH/16/2023

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