In a non-binding resolution passed by the wide majority of 510 votes to 160, with 29 abstentions, MEPs called on the Polish government on Wednesday 14 September to resolve the constitutional crisis that it faces and which has put it at odds with the European Commission under the so-called rule of law mechanism.
MEPs called on Poland to respond to the Commission recommendation of 27 July within the required three-month timescale. “The solution should reflect a compromise between all parliamentary parties and be fully in line with the Venice Commission and the European Commission recommendations”, the recommendation states.
Parliament reminds the Polish government that “the European Union is founded on the values ... which were approved by the Polish people on the occasion of the referendum in 2003” and “operates on the basis of the presumption of mutual trust that member states conform with democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights”.
The paralysis of the constitutional tribunal and the refusal of the Polish government to publish all its judgments “endanger democracy, fundamental rights and the rule of law in Poland”, MEPs say, referring in particular to the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights. They also urge the Commission to monitor the follow-up to these recommendations by the Polish authorities.
In its text, the Parliament expresses its concern at recent developments in relation to the independence and impartiality of public service media, the right to freedom of expression, the right to privacy, procedural rights and the fundamental right to a fair trial, the political impartiality of the country’s administration, and fundamental human rights, including women rights.
The previous day, Commission First Vice-President Frans Timmermans had informed MEPs that the difference with Warsaw had not been resolved (see EUROPE 11623). (Original version in French by Solenn Paulic)