WARSAW: Polish President Andrzej Duda on Sunday criticized the European Commission, accusing the EU executive of blocking funds in what he deemed “an attempt to force Poland to change its government.” Duda’s comments underscore the ongoing tensions between Poland and the EU over Warsaw’s judicial reforms and the rule of law, which resulted in the freezing of billions of EU funds.
Speaking during a press conference in Vilnius, Duda asserted, “I have no doubts what the point was of blocking the money from the National Recovery Plan by the European Commission. It was a purely political action against the previous Polish authorities.” He characterized the move as an effort to compel a change in Poland’s leadership.
The European Commission, in response, stated that there was work to be done with Poland to satisfy all the milestones under the Recovery and Resilience Facility. The spokesperson added, “The Polish government has expressed its readiness to work with the Commission to fully address the milestones on judicial independence.”
Polish President Expresses Openness to Negotiations
Duda also expressed openness to negotiations and proposals for changes in the Polish justice system. However, he clarified that he would not allow any verification of judges appointed during his term.
The recent October 15 election marked the end of eight years of rule by the nationalist Law and Justice (PiS) party, with a new pro-EU government led by former European Council president Donald Tusk. The new government has pledged to regain access to EU funds, with the European Commission’s commitment to transferring 5 billion euros to Warsaw from Poland’s 60 billion-euro share of the bloc’s COVID-19 recovery stimulus.
On Saturday, Polish Funds and Regional Policy Minister Katarzyna Pelczynska-Nalecz announced that Poland had met conditions to submit crucial documents for accessing the EU’s Structural Funds.
