‘Diplomatic nightmare’ for May ahead of Poland trip

EU launches disciplinary action against Warsaw over human rights just as Britain sets off on charm offensive

THE European Commission yesterday took the “nuclear option” against Poland by launching Article 7 disciplinary proceedings against it for undermining human rights, democracy and the rule of law.

The unprecedented step creates a massive diplomatic headache for Theresa May, who is due to land in Poland today with the Chancellor and the Foreign, Home and Defence secretaries for a summit designed to boost relations with Poland after Brexit.

The decision to trigger Article 7 – an official disciplinary process that could lead to Poland being stripped of voting rights in the European Council – highlights the growing division between east and west Europe over democratic values and migration.

Andrzej Duda, the Polish president, responded defiantly, announcing within hours that he would sign two controversial bills on judicial reform into law.

The EU action against Poland’s hardline conservative Law and Justice party has raised awkward questions for Mrs May about her diplomatic charm offensive with Warsaw, which has included sending the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge to Poland last summer.

A Downing Street spokesman said Mrs May would raise concerns over the rule of law on her visit, adding that the UK hoped that the issue could be resolved “through discussion” between Warsaw and Brussels.

“We place great importance on respect for the rule of law and we expect all our partners to abide by international norms and standards. The Prime Minister will raise her concerns with the prime minister of Poland when they meet tomorrow,” the spokesman said.

Mrs May’s equivocation risks upsetting the Polish foreign ministry, which has indicated that it expects Britain to back Poland if it comes to a vote in the European Council. A senior Foreign Office source conceded the situation was a “diplomatic nightmare”.

Asked if he expects British support, Witold Waszczykowski, Poland’s foreign minister said, “Yes, I do,” in a text message sent to The Daily Telegraph.

The European Commission said it concluded there was “a clear risk of a serious breach of the rule of law in Poland”, citing controversial judicial reforms which had placed the Polish judiciary “under the political control of the ruling majority”.

The Polish foreign ministry said it was “ready for talks”, but a spokesman said the decision was politically motivated as a result of Poland’s refusal to accept mandatory EU migrant quotas following the 2015 migrant crisis.

The process will now go to the European Council where 22 of 27 member states must vote for action, which Germany and France say they will support. Additional reporting by Elizabeth Burden