7
Jun
2022
Watch
The rule of law and the potential approval of the Polish national Recovery Plan (RRF) (debate)
Madam President, the decision to endorse Poland’s Recovery and Resilience Plan was neither easy nor is it a blank cheque. The approval of this plan is linked to clear commitments by Poland on rule of law issues and the independence of the judiciary. ‘A first payment will only be possible when the new law is in force and ticks all the boxes under this contract.’ This is a direct quote from the Commission President and, frankly, the most important aspect of this plan. The plan is indeed a contract with mutual obligations and the ball is now in Warsaw’s hands. The money allocated to Poland is linked directly to specific milestones and targets, clearly outlining the Commission’s expectations, our European expectations, and they must be fully met. Will it be an easy conversation with Warsaw? For most governments, the answer would be yes. Sadly, as the Polish ruling party has showed us in recent years, the current Polish Government tends to create obstacles, likes to bend the rules to the maximum, even break them. I will always stress and I repeat here: Poland can do much more and much better if there is will and true commitment to work on remedies by the ruling majority. Now the Commission must follow up on its decision with full diligence. Steps that can unlock the disbursement of EU funds rest with the Polish Government. The leadership in Warsaw must take clear-cut decisions that will lead to general confidence in the independence and fairness of the Polish justice system. As we focus on the facts on the ground, I hope that all of those responsible for necessary changes are going to put the interests of the Polish citizens above political egos and more petty fights with Europe.