The Council of Ministers has issued a firm stance against the draft amendments to the EU treaties that were presented by the European Parliament’s Committee on Constitutional Affairs. The government has also instructed the Prime Minister and all ministers to oppose these proposals if they are approved by the European Parliament, as stated in the adopted resolution.
Treaty changes and the Polish government’s opposition
On Tuesday the government adopted a resolution addressing the draft amendments submitted to the European Parliament. The resolution makes clear that the Council of Ministers strongly opposes the amendments to the EU treaties proposed by the European Parliament’s Committee on Constitutional Affairs.
The government argues that the changes would sharply reduce the unanimity principle in the Council and would curtail the sovereignty of the Republic of Poland in key areas essential to the state. The resolution asserts that if the proposals were adopted, Poland’s sovereignty would effectively be reduced to a practical fiction.
The resolution highlights that the changes would deprive Poland of the ability to independently decide on major matters in foreign policy, defense, border protection, security including energy security, home affairs, justice and social policy. It also notes potential impacts on economic, tax, and other areas important to state interests.
Adoption of the proposals would be contrary to the Constitution of the Republic of Poland and, in particular, to the principle of the supreme power of the nation as set out in Article 4 of the Polish Constitution, according to the resolution.
The document stresses that moving away from the unanimity principle in future treaty amendments would conflict with Article 90 of the Polish Constitution and could bind Poland to international agreements without proper consent from constitutional bodies, thereby bypassing constitutional ratification requirements.
The Council also emphasizes Poland’s commitment to remaining an active participant in the European Union, describing the EU as an alliance of equal, sovereign states that cooperate together. The accession treaty is cited as a clear expression of Poland’s will to participate in this union under those principles.
At the same time, the Council notes that the proposed institutional changes and the way decisions are made in the EU, along with procedures for amending treaties that would limit the role of member states, appear to favor greater centralization of EU decision making. These changes align with a shift away from the principles laid out in the founding treaties and diverge from the goals shared by many member states.
The assessment adds that the proposed solutions do not seem to enhance cooperation among all EU members. Instead, they appear to serve the interests of the two largest member states, potentially increasing their influence over EU processes and political and economic life in Europe.
With sovereignty as a fundamental pillar of its policy, the Council of Ministers urges the members of the European Parliament to oppose the treaty changes proposed by the Committee on Constitutional Affairs. The Council also directs the Prime Minister and all ministers to oppose these proposals if they are approved by the European Parliament and to submit them to the Council or the European Council for consideration.
Debate and draft resolution in the Sejm
On Monday the Sejm received a draft resolution from the PiS club calling for a halt to changes to the Treaty on European Union and the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union that are deemed dangerous for the Republic of Poland. By Tuesday the draft had been given a form number and was sent to the European Affairs Committee for its first reading.
Meanwhile, Tuesday saw a debate in the European Parliament on the report from the Committee on Constitutional Affairs. The report proposes several changes, including the abolition of the unanimity rule for voting in the EU Council across sixty five policy areas. The vote on whether to adopt the report was scheduled for the following day.
In related coverage, discussions on the evolving treaty framework continued to draw attention, with lawmakers weighing the balance of power between member states and EU institutions. The focus remained on ensuring that national sovereignty is preserved while maintaining useful cooperation within the union.
Further context is provided by parliamentary coverage noting the concerns raised by the Sejm and the ongoing negotiations among European and national lawmakers on the future shape of EU governance.