The European Parliament Civil Liberties Committee (LIBE) reviewed, on Monday 3 December, the outcome of the delegation's mission sent to Poland from 19 to 21 September. Led by Committee Chairman Claude Moraes (S&D, UK), it concluded that the rule of law is at risk in the country and endorsed the European Commission's actions in this regard.
The delegation aimed to understand the judicial reforms undertaken in Poland, but was unable to meet with ministers, including the Minister of Justice or the Prime Minister, or other representatives of the ruling PiS party. However, she was able to meet with senators, members of civil society and OSCE representatives.
The report to be submitted to the Commission and Member States under the Article 7 procedure confirms a series of threats, the British said, concerning both the Supreme Court and the Retirement Age Act, as well as the way in which posts in ministries are filled under the influence of the Minister of Justice, and targeted attacks on judges. For the chairman of the LIBE committee, there is reason to be "concerned about the cumulative effect of the reforms" over the past three years.
With regard to media freedom, he said that the context was deteriorating, but that the Polish media still had some freedom. This mission report was approved by all groups except the ECR and ENF. (Original version in French by Solenn Paulic)