Menu
Latest
Menu
Latest
News

Poland ratifies judgment on precedence of Polish law over EU law

13 October 2021

Poland has ratified the decision of the Polish Constitutional Tribunal to place Polish law above European Union legislation. The government published the ruling yesterday (12 October) in the country's Journal of Laws.

In areas where articles of EU treaties and judgments of EU courts conflict with the Polish constitution, Poland's domestic law takes precedence, according to the court ruling. In this way, the country is undermining one of the most important principles of the EU.

The new law could further strain relations between Poland and the EU already under strain due to disagreements on a number of issues ranging from the rule of law to the environment.

The Tribunal's conclusion triggered sharp reactions in Brussels. EU member states France and Germany reacted with shock, because the Court's ruling undermines the European legislation, which all member states must comply with.

The publication of the new law in the official journal could also impact the future of Poland's National Reconstruction Plan after the COVID-19 pandemic. Poland is awaiting the green light for billions from the EU Recovery Fund. But the European Commission is still analysing Poland's spending plan, with some politicians claiming the delay is caused by Brussels' concerns about the state of the rule of law in Poland.

 

source: commonspace.eu with agencies
photo: Wroclaw residents took to the streets on Sunday (10 October) to demonstrate against the decision. EPA

Related articles

Editor's choice
News
Borrell tells the European Parliament that the situation in Afghanistan was critical, but the EU will remain engaged
Trending

Borrell tells the European Parliament that the situation in Afghanistan was critical, but the EU will remain engaged

9 June 2021
Borrell underlined that the European Union will make every effort to support the peace process and to remain a committed partner to the Afghan people. "Of course, we will have to take into account the evolving situation, but disengagement is not an option.  We are clear on that: there is no alternative to a negotiated political settlement, through inclusive peace talks.
Editor's choice
News
Germany will soon have the largest conventional army in Europe, but there will be no conscription
Trending

Germany will soon have the largest conventional army in Europe, but there will be no conscription

14 November 2025
The Bundeswehr currently has around 182,000 troops. The new military service model aims to increase that number by 20,000 over the next year, rising to between 255,000 and 260,000 over the next 10 years, supplemented by approximately 200,000 reservists. From next year, all 18-year-old men and women will be sent a questionnaire to assess their interest and willingness to join the armed forces. It will be mandatory for men and voluntary for women. From July 2027 all men aged 18 will also have to take a medical exam to assess their fitness for duty. If the government's targets are not met, a form of compulsory enlistment could be considered by parliament. If war were to break out, the military would be able to draw on the questionnaires and medical exams for potential recruits. Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said despite the new military service plan there was "no cause for concern... no reason for fear". "The more capable of deterrence and defence our armed forces are, through armament through training and through personnel, the less likely it is that we will become a party to a conflict at all," Pistorius said. Defence spending in Germany tumbled after the end of the Cold War, while conscription was suspended in 2011. Given its past, Germany has long been shy of showing military might, but earlier this year Friedrich Merz announced that the rule for German defence "now has to be whatever it takes", following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Around 300,000 young men per year will be affected. The defense minister argues that this is the only way for the Bundeswehr to get an idea of who could be called up in the event of a conflict.

Popular

Editor's choice
News
Germany will soon have the largest conventional army in Europe, but there will be no conscription
Trending

Germany will soon have the largest conventional army in Europe, but there will be no conscription

14 November 2025
The Bundeswehr currently has around 182,000 troops. The new military service model aims to increase that number by 20,000 over the next year, rising to between 255,000 and 260,000 over the next 10 years, supplemented by approximately 200,000 reservists. From next year, all 18-year-old men and women will be sent a questionnaire to assess their interest and willingness to join the armed forces. It will be mandatory for men and voluntary for women. From July 2027 all men aged 18 will also have to take a medical exam to assess their fitness for duty. If the government's targets are not met, a form of compulsory enlistment could be considered by parliament. If war were to break out, the military would be able to draw on the questionnaires and medical exams for potential recruits. Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said despite the new military service plan there was "no cause for concern... no reason for fear". "The more capable of deterrence and defence our armed forces are, through armament through training and through personnel, the less likely it is that we will become a party to a conflict at all," Pistorius said. Defence spending in Germany tumbled after the end of the Cold War, while conscription was suspended in 2011. Given its past, Germany has long been shy of showing military might, but earlier this year Friedrich Merz announced that the rule for German defence "now has to be whatever it takes", following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Around 300,000 young men per year will be affected. The defense minister argues that this is the only way for the Bundeswehr to get an idea of who could be called up in the event of a conflict.