Rule of law in Poland: Commission must deliver to uphold EU values - Main contents

Today, the first vice-president of the European Commission, Frans Timmermans, will come to the LIBE committee to present the state of play of the rule of law framework in Poland. The ALDE Group urges him to come up with a clear response to the systemic undermining of the rule of law in the country. The Commission must deliver to uphold EU values.

Sophie in 't Veld, ALDE Group first vice-president: "The Commission has to take its own responsibility, and not make the Article 7 decision dependent on the support from the Member States. The Commission has a duty to act and safeguard the integrity of the EU and the rights of EU citizens. The situation in Poland demonstrates the urgent need for a broader mechanism, monitoring all Member States in an equal, impartial and objective manner. The European Parliament broadly supported a binding pact on Democracy, Rule of Law and Fundamental Rights which builds upon existing instruments and procedures. We urge the Commission to start working on this mechanism with the European Parliament and supportive Member States in the Council. Upholding European standards regarding the rule of law generates mutual trust, which is essential for the good functioning of other EU policy areas".