20/12/2019 (Agence Europe) – The European Commission has asked the Polish authorities to consult experts from international organisations such as the Venice Commission of the Council of Europe before adopting a law that would further strengthen the sanctions against judges opposing the ongoing reforms carried out by the ruling PiS. Christian Wigand, spokesman for Justice Commissioner Didier Reynders and Vice-President for Values and Transparency, Věra Jourová, said the Vice-President had sent a letter to the country's authorities on 19 December expressing her concern. The law provides for sanctions up to and including exclusion for judges who question the legality of the appointment of another judge, as well as for "activities of a political nature" or that may "interfere with the functioning of the justice system". (SP)