The European Union has ceased its legal actions against Poland following progress in rule of law, aligning with Donald Tusk’s return as Prime Minister and the thawing of EU-Poland relations.
The European Union has decided to discontinue legal proceedings against Poland, a move announced following improvements cited by the EU Commission under the leadership of Ursula von der Leyen. This decision, ending six years of Article 7 proceedings against Poland for rule of law violations, corresponds with the tenure of Prime Minister Donald Tusk, who recently regained power. Arkadiusz Mularczyk, Poland’s former Minister for Foreign Affairs, criticized the EU’s decision, suggesting it was influenced by Tusk’s relationships within the EU rather than genuine policy changes. The resolution aims to thaw relations and involves unblocking previously frozen funds, pending ratification by all 27 EU member states.
In a separate development, Polish authorities have launched an investigation into Tomasz Szmydt, a judge who has sought refuge in Belarus under contentious circumstances. Szmydt, accused of potentially acting on behalf of foreign intelligence, is under scrutiny by the Polish National Prosecutor’s Office and the Internal Security Agency. His actions have been labeled as treasonous by Foreign Minister Radek Sikorski and are part of a broader concern involving cyber-attacks in the region, attributed to hybrid warfare tactics.
In Germany, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), under the guidance of Friedrich Merz, is adopting more conservative policies post-Angela Merkel. The shift includes changes such as directing asylum seekers to third countries and reintroducing military conscription. Merz’s stance also opens the door to reconsidering nuclear power. This redirection marks a strategic move from Merkel’s centrism, positioning Merz and the CDU along more traditionally conservative lines, reflecting his vision for the party’s future and potential governance.
