EC calls for sanctions on Poland for failing to comply with Court order

Brussels, Sep 7 (EFE).- The European Commission asked the European Court of Justice on Tuesday to impose financial penalties against Poland for the country’s authorities refusal to comply with interim measures ordered by the Court over the alleged infringement of judicial independence by the European Union member state.

The European Court’s order, issued on July 14 and disregarded by Polish authorities according to the Commission, is related to the functioning of the Polish Supreme Court’s Disciplinary Chamber, as well as certain Polish law provisions that affect judicial independence.

The Commission asked the Court to impose a daily penalty payment on Poland for as long as the measures are not fully implemented.

The EC announced it has sent a letter of formal notice to Poland for not taking the necessary measures to comply with a July 15 judgement of the Court of Justice, which found the disciplinary regime against judges in Polish law is not compatible with EU law.

“If the Commission finds that the Polish reply to today’s letter of formal notice is not satisfactory as a next step, the Commission may bring the case, once more, before the Court of Justice,” the institution said in a statement.

The interim measures ordered by the court included suspending provisions that allow Supreme Court justices to be stripped of judicial immunity by a Disciplinary Chamber, as well as other provisions that prevent Polish judges from directly applying EU law to protect judicial independence. EFE

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