College discusses a draft Rule of Law Opinion on the situation in Poland

EU News 167/2016

Brussels, 18 May 2016

The College of Commissioners today discussed the current situation concerning the Rule of Law in Poland – based on an oral presentation by First Vice-President Timmermans regarding the state of play of the intensive dialogue that has been ongoing with the Polish authorities since 13 January on the situation of the Constitutional Tribunal. The College examined a draft Rule of Law Opinion, structuring and formalising the assessment of the current situation, and empowered First Vice-President Timmermans to adopt the Opinion by 23 May, unless significant progress is made by the Polish authorities to resolve the concerns expressed by the European Commission before that date.

The Rule of Law is one of the common values upon which the European Union is founded. It is enshrined in Article 2 of the Treaty on European Union. The European Commission, together with the European Parliament and the Council, is responsible under the Treaties for guaranteeing the respect of the Rule of Law as a fundamental value of our Union and making sure that EU law, values and principles are respected.

Source and additional information:
http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_IP-16-1828_en.htm?locale=en

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