2019 Polish justice reform breaches EU law, says CJEU

The Polish justice reform, introduced by the populist nationalist government in 2019 and the subject of a showdown between Warsaw and Brussels, “breaks the law” Community, announced Monday, June 5 the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU). In particular its component relating to the disciplinary system of judges and their independence, details the Court in its judgment, immediately welcomed by the European Commission, which had seized it.

“It is an important day for the restoration of an independent judiciary in Poland”commented Didier Reynders, the European Commissioner for Justice, specifying that the Polish law covered “undermining the independence of judges”. “After today’s decision, the law on the judiciary will have to be adapted accordingly”he added, pointing out that the CJEU’s decision settled “definitely the question” and urged the Polish authorities “to comply fully with the judgment”.

Polish justice minister attacks ‘corrupt court’

In 2021, the Court of Justice of the European Union condemned Poland to fines of one million euros per day. The amount of these fines has to date exceeded 550 million euros. Poland has always refused to pay these fines, but Brussels has taken part of them from the funds intended for Poland. The judgment of the European Court lifts the financial sanction from Monday 5 June but Poland must still settle the sums due for the past.

The Polish Minister of Justice reacted by denouncing on Monday June 5 a decision unfavorable to Poland by the European Court of Justice, which he considered a “corrupt court”. The decision condemning Poland for its controversial justice reform “was not written by judges but by politicians” in “violation of treaties”, said Zbigniew Ziobro, representative of an openly anti-European party, quoted by the PAP agency.