The ruling of the Polish Constitutional Tribunal, which calls into question the supremacy of European Union (EU) law, has caused rumors – whether one of the largest countries on the old continent – Poland – could withdraw from the EU, reports TV3 News.
Brussels and Warsaw have been on the war for several years for democratic standards and the independence of the judiciary. This was caused by the decision of the Polish ruling Law and Justice Party to reform its judicial system a few years ago by changing the way judges are approved. This allowed the appointment of conservative and sympathetic judges to the constitutional court, despite EU objections, some of whom were even party members.
Warsaw has emphasized that this has been done in the name of eradicating corruption, as well as to get rid of the remnants of the communist past.
The European Court of Justice ruled that this should not be done, but Warsaw did not resign and the Prime Minister appealed to the Polish Constitutional Court to assess whether the bloc’s laws prevailed over the country’s constitution. This was the first time in history that a Member State leader had questioned the Union’s treaties in this way. Now is the decision.
Julia Pzilevska, President of the Polish Constitutional Court
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“EU bodies shall act outside the powers conferred on the Republic of Poland by the Treaties.”
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Accordingly, it has been decided that certain articles of the bloc agreement are incompatible with the Polish Constitution. This is, in principle, a threat to the EU’s legal system, causing profound waves throughout the bloc and widespread criticism and concern. There is growing talk of Poland’s withdrawal from the EU.
