The European Commission may be open to unblocking KPO funds for Poland, also in a situation where laws restoring the rule of law in Poland are vetoed by President Andrzej Duda – Michał Kobosko told PAP (Poland 2050-TD after a meeting with the EU Commissioner for Justice Didier Reynders.
Kobosko on “restoration of the rule of law”
EU Commissioner for Justice Didier Reynders spoke with the head of the Parliamentary Committee for EU Affairs, Michał Koboska (Poland 2050-TD). The meeting was also attended by the deputy head of the committee, MP Agnieszka Pomaska (KO) and the head of the office of the Speaker of the Sejm, Stanisław Zazdrowiemski.
Kobosko told PAP that the meeting took place in a very good atmosphere. He emphasized that a substantive discussion on the restoration of the rule of law in Poland also took place, as well as a declaration of mutual willingness to cooperate and restore relations between Poland and the European Union.
As Kobosko reported, the meeting started with a discussion about the state of play regarding the restoration of the rule of law in Poland and, as a result, the unblocking of EU funds from both the KPO and the Cohesion Fund.
Here, on the one hand, the Commissioner declared the EC’s full openness to discussions with the Polish government and parliamentary majority, and on the other hand, he stressed that the Commission expects specific proposals and draft laws
– said Kobosko.
Does the EC have a complete picture of the situation?
The head of the EU parliamentary commission emphasized that the EC has a complete picture of the political situation in Poland.
Commissioner Reynders assured us that both he and other representatives of the European Commission are aware of President Andrzej Duda’s position on issues related to the rule of law. Simply put, they understand that some legal acts are at risk of being vetoed by the president
– added.
According to the MP, the European Commission is very understanding in this regard, but expects that the laws restoring the rule of law in Poland will be adopted by the Sejm.
There will be no delay on the part of the parliamentary majority. We know how important it is to unblock EU funds quickly. In the first step, from the KPO, because they decrease every day, and then from the Cohesion Funds
– emphasized the Polish MP 2050.
Kobosko reads between the lines
Asked whether EU funds will be released after parliament passes laws aimed at restoring the rule of law, even if President Duda vetoes them, he said the decision on this rests with the European Commission.
However, I read between the lines that this may be the approach of the Commission, which – quite understandably for us – will not be satisfied with announcements alone. I have the impression that the European Commission may be open to releasing funds for Poland, even in a situation where the President vetoes the laws.
– said the politician.
Kobosko emphasized that the parliamentary majority wanted to improve relations with the EU.
We want to get out of the basket where we find ourselves together with Hungary, as the only EU countries that have not adhered to the rule of law
– he declared. He added that there is no reason to treat the new Polish government on an equal footing with Viktor Orbán’s government.
What did Kobosko say about political prisoners?
When asked whether the topic of Mariusz Kamiński and Maciej Wąsik was discussed during the meeting, Kobosko replied that he referred to the issue when he told the Commissioner about the activities of the new government.
I expressed the hope that the Commissioner was aware that there are no political prisoners in Poland. However, the two politicians currently in prison have been sentenced by a final court verdict
– he pointed out.
Commissioner Reynders, as Kobosko emphasized, has shown understanding for the arguments put forward.
Kobosko noted that Commissioner Reynders is currently running for the position of head of the Council of Europe.
His candidacy has already been officially announced. We have taken some time to discuss this topic as the Commissioner seeks support from the Member States of the Council of Europe
– he said. He added that, in his opinion, Commissioner Reynders is an excellent candidate to head an organization that protects human and civil rights.
I wonder if the EC also has a full picture of the situation regarding the illegal attack on public media and the destruction of subsequent institutions by Bartłomiej Sienkiewicz? Did Kobosko also mention how Bodnar operates without regard to the law and the Constitution, which is contrary to the rule of law they are so keen to restore? Did he say that MPs with mandates and immunity, who were pardoned by the president in 2015, were put in prison? Did he say that the same Supreme Court chamber that ruled on the validity of the parliamentary elections – which Tusk’s government recognizes – also ruled that Wąsik and Kamiński are parliamentarians – which Tusk’s government no longer recognizes? There may be considerable doubt about this.
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wkt/PAP
Source: wPolityce