Posted 1/20/2024, 12:46:00 PM
Poland on Track to Unlock Billions in EU Funds After Rule-of-Law Breakthrough
- Poland has met conditions to unlock €76B in EU funds that were frozen over rule-of-law concerns. First funds expected by end of March/early April.
- Funds were blocked due to PiS party's judicial reforms threatening court independence. New PM Tusk promised to restore rule of law.
- Minister Poland submitted request for €6.9B payment. After self-assessment and EC review, can submit more funding applications.
- Separately, must pass laws rolling back judicial changes to unlock €35B in EU pandemic relief funds. But new government lacks votes to override presidential veto.
- To align with EU demands, government will reform National Council of the Judiciary, which selects judges. But needs president's support.