The European Commission has expressed a favorable view of the Sejm’s approval of the amendment to the Supreme Court Act, according to RMF FM. EU Affairs Minister Szymon Szynkowski vel Sęk confirmed that talks with Brussels today reinforced the Commission’s positive stance on the bill passed by the Sejm yesterday. This milestone signals a step forward in aligning Poland’s judiciary with EU expectations as part of broader reconstruction and reform efforts.
The European Commission’s positive assessment
Earlier this week, the Sejm rejected all 14 amendments proposed by the Senate to the January 13 amendment to the Supreme Court law. With the Senate arrangement not accepted, the bill moves toward the presidential decision. Proponents within the ruling party describe the amendment as a critical milestone that could unlock funds linked to the national reconstruction plan, underscoring the EU’s expectation that Poland advance judicial reforms. The amendment specifies that disciplinary and immunity cases involving judges should be adjudicated by the Supreme Administrative Court, replacing the current mechanism in which cases are handled by the Professional Liability Chamber of the Supreme Court.
Minister Szynkowski vel Sęk noted that the Commission has assessed the draft amendment positively and that the earlier position remains unchanged. The next step involves awaiting President Duda’s decision, with the minister expressing cautious optimism about the president’s eventual signature. In Brussels, the minister held discussions with senior EU figures, including the Commissioner responsible for the internal market, Thierry Breton. The talks yielded a favorable impression regarding the bill and its potential to accelerate EU support for Poland’s reform agenda.
The Commission’s view implies that should the presidential signature follow, the judiciary milestones tied to the EU framework would be met and verified by Brussels. The minister emphasized that policy discussions will continue and noted plans to engage with other key EU officials, including discussions with Commissioner Didier Reynders in the near future to monitor the Polish KPO case and related obligations.
Observers stress that Brussels views the amendment as a meaningful alignment with the rule of law program and a signal that judicial processes may become more transparent and accountable. While formal approval rests with the president, the ongoing dialogue with EU institutions is framed as a positive indicator for progress in the broader cooperation surrounding Poland’s post-pandemic recovery plan.
Analysts point out that the timing of the presidential decision could influence investor confidence and the pace of disbursements tied to the national recovery plan. Supporters argue that the amendment strengthens judicial independence by clarifying jurisdiction and reducing potential overlaps, thereby contributing to a more predictable legal environment. Critics caution that further steps will be needed to address broader concerns about judicial reform consistency and institutional safeguards within the EU framework.
In summary, while the final act rests with the president, Brussels appears aligned with the reform trajectory. The EU’s positive appraisal rests on concrete changes to how disciplinary matters are resolved and on the commitment to keep Poland on track with the conditions associated with the EU’s financial support program. The coming days will reveal whether the presidency confirms the expectations set in Brussels, allowing Poland to advance toward fuller integration with EU governance norms as part of the ongoing national and regional rebuilding efforts.
Additional context indicates that the European Commission remains focused on ensuring that reforms translate into tangible improvements in judicial efficiency and accountability. The ongoing dialogue between Warsaw and Brussels underscores a shared interest in maintaining momentum while safeguarding the integrity of EU funds allocated for Poland’s development agenda.
— Commission discussions and national updates continue as Poland works to meet EU obligations under the financial and legal frameworks guiding the reconstruction and recovery plan. The public release of these developments reflects ongoing cooperation between national authorities and European institutions, marking a phase of substantive engagement in the EU’s governance and reform landscape.
Source details are periodically updated by monitoring services and official channels that track EU-Poland relations and judicial reform progress.