Tomorrow 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 act to uphold EU values.
Guy Verhofstadt, ALDE Group leader, said: „With its two recommendations, the European Commission has given the Polish government two opportunities to de-paralyse the Constitutional Court and instead fully respect of the rule of law. Prime Minister Szydlo decided to ignore both, so there is no more time to be bought. It is very clear that PiS is misusing its parliamentary majority to remove all checks on its power – an independent Constitutional Court, independent public media and an engaged, self-confident civil society. The EU is a community of the rule of law. We must not stand aside and watch this any longer. I urge First Vice President Timmermans to tomorrow outline a clear timetable for the triggering of Art. 7 TEU”.
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 of 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 to monitor 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”.
Nathalie Griesbeck, ALDE LIBE coordinator, added: „I am looking forward to tomorrow’s debate with Commissioner Timmermans. The Commission is the guardian of the treaties and has the obligation to act. Democracy, the rule of law, fundamental freedoms and the independence of the Judiciary are our common European values and all the Member States must respect them”
