Lack of independence of Polish judiciary will hamper European police- and judicial cooperation

Source: S.H. (Sophie) in 't Veld i, published on Tuesday, October 24 2017.

Question for written answer to the Commission

Rule 130

Sophia in 't Veld (ALDE)

Subject: Lack of independence of Polish judiciary will hamper European police- and judicial cooperation

The European Commission has concluded that the four laws, as adopted by the Polish Parliament, increase significantly the systemic threat to the rule of law in Poland, in particular to the independence of the judiciary. Since the judicial authorities of Member States have a key role in police and judicial cooperation, the lack of independence of the Polish judiciary can have a major impact on the effectiveness of this cooperation.

What will be the implications for police and judicial cooperation, for example the European Arrest Warrant and the European Evidence Warrant, but also the reliability of information that Poland feeds into databases such as SIS, ECRIS and FIU at Europol?

Considering that Poland would be essentially in breach of EU law, will the Commission start an infringement procedure against Poland?

What will be the impact on security in Europe, if one Member State is a weak link in the chain of police and judicial cooperation?

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