Brussels
08 June 2022
Following European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s support to unlock recovery funding to Poland despite the Polish government only offering cosmetic measures to address unacceptable judicial system reforms, MEPs have proposed to stage a vote of no-confidence against President Ursula von der Leyen and her Commission. At least 10% of MEPs need to sign the proposal for the vote to take place. If the proposal goes to vote, it must receive a two-thirds majority to be successful.
The European Commission had set three conditions for the disbursement of the recovery fund to Poland: the liquidation of the illegal Disciplinary Chamber, the reinstatement of the judges suspended by this chamber and the changes in the disciplinary system for judges. These conditions are currently not met, and it is unacceptable for the European Commission to allow the €35.4 billion package to flow to Poland, fueling an illiberal regime.
Mélanie Vogel, co-chair of the European Green Party, comments:
“The European Commission is the guardian of the Treaties. All European citizens, including Polish citizens, rely on its commitment to protect and defend rule of law and fundamental rights across the EU. This is simply the condition for European democracy to exist.
It is therefore impossible to accept that European taxpayers’ money flow to Poland without rule of law being respected and the necessary conditions being fulfilled, including the reinstatement of the judges who had been removed for political motives.
If the European commission caves into the pressure of the Polish government and betrays its own commitments by disbursing funds without the necessary conditions being respected, the European Parliament may be forced to withdraw its confidence."
Małgorzata Tracz, member of the Polish Parliament and committee member of the European Green Party adds:
“The democratic situation in Poland is dire. Allowing EU recovery funding to Poland right now equals fueling a regime that has demonstrated its contempt for the independence of the judiciary, for free media, for equal rights, and in general for democracy and the rule of law.
Partia Zieloni, the Polish Green Party, along with the support of the European Green Party and our grassroots partners are moblising to ensure that Polish citizens don’t pay the price for the actions of the Polish government.
The European Commission can truly support Polish citizens by standing firm on core European values instead of supporting an illiberal regime.”
END
Valentin Dupouey
Head of the Communication Unit / Press Officer
E valentin.dupouey@europeangreens.eu
T +32 (0) 485 93 99 26
European Green Party
Rue du Taciturne 34, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
www.europeangreens.eu
