05/01/2022 (Agence Europe) – The French Presidency of the Council of the EU intends to organise hearings on 22 February and 30 May for Poland and Hungary respectively, under the so-called ‘Article 7’ procedure, according to the provisional agenda of the General Affairs Council. The Slovenian Presidency had opted for a general discussion on the two ‘Article 7’ procedures launched against these countries at the General Affairs Council on 14 December (see EUROPE 12853/21). The Commission noted the continuing serious concerns about the state of the Rule of law. The French Presidency is in line with Article 7 Paragraph 1, which provides for hearings before a possible vote on a clear risk of violation of EU principles. The timetable at this stage only refers to the hearings. (SP)