The Polish authorities have been pursuing a set of measures framed as restoring the rule of law within the country, along with addressing Russia’s accountability for crimes against Ukraine and decisions on using frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine’s recovery. These topics were central to talks between Radosław Sikorski, the head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Didier Reynders, the European Commissioner for Justice.
During Reynders’ visit to Poland, he met with Attorney General Adam Bodnar and also spoke with the leaders of key parliamentary EU committees, Michał Koboska and Bogdan Klich. A planned discussion with the Minister of EU Affairs, Adam Szłapka, was on the agenda as well.
In Warsaw, Sikorski briefed Reynders on the latest Polish efforts to restore constitutional order and strengthen the rule of law, presenting these initiatives as pivotal for advancing Poland’s standing within the European Union.
According to a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the conversation highlighted Poland’s commitment to reforms and to aligning with EU expectations on governance and judicial independence as the European Commission reviews the flow of funds to member states.
The priority of the Tusk government
The ministry noted that Sikorski underscored the need for the European Commission to recognize Poland’s determination to carry out reforms, particularly in the context of unlocking EU funds for Poland. He emphasized Poland’s focus on complying with the rulings of the European Court of Human Rights regarding the rule of law, describing their implementation as a central objective for the current government.
The talks also touched on Russia’s responsibility for international crimes against Ukraine and the potential use of frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine’s reconstruction. Sikorski reiterated Poland’s firm stance that Russia should be held to account as a state and that individual perpetrators must face accountability for acts committed on Ukrainian soil, as the international community seeks mechanisms to cover the costs of rebuilding the country that was attacked.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that these issues remain a priority for Poland as the European Union continues to assess judicial independence and related reforms in response to concerns about the National Council of the Judiciary and other judiciary procedures. The discussions reflected a shared interest in ensuring that the EU funds, intended for post-crisis recovery and development, are allocated and used in a manner consistent with the rule of law and the governance standards expected by the bloc.
Over the past years, concerns about the independence of Poland’s judiciary and related reform steps have been central to EU assessments. The EU has repeatedly evaluated governance changes, including judicial appointments and the functioning of the Constitutional Court, to determine whether these developments meet the bloc’s standards for the rule of law. Poland has stressed its willingness to implement changes that satisfy these standards while continuing to pursue its policy goals inside the EU’s framework.
Plans tied to the National Recovery Plan and the broader EU financing framework have centered on providing grants and low-interest loans to support post-crisis reconstruction, including recovery measures following the COVID-19 pandemic. Poland’s allocation under the plan encompasses substantial funding intended to fuel reforms and growth, signaling a continued emphasis on strengthening governance and resilience in the face of ongoing EU scrutiny.
The dialogue highlights a broader effort to balance national reform priorities with EU expectations, as Warsaw seeks to secure continued access to European funds while addressing concerns about judicial independence and constitutional governance. The discussions underscore a shared objective: to advance reforms that reinforce the rule of law and accountability while preserving Poland’s ability to participate fully in EU programs and support structures for rebuilding and growth.
Moments from the meeting and its framing in Polish diplomacy illustrate a consistency in the government’s approach to engaging with EU partners on rule of law and accountability, while navigating the broader geopolitical context that includes Russia’s actions in Ukraine and the international community’s response to those actions.