EU set to take action over Polish reforms

The European Union’s executive arm has triggered proceedings against Poland over Warsaw’s contentious overhaul of its justice system – a move that could lead to unprecedented sanctions.

The European Commission’s decision to trigger what is known as Article 7 is in response to several laws enacted by the rightwing Law and Justice party during its two years in power to give it greater control over the justice system.

Two of those laws – one of which is on the Constitutional Tribunal and another which gives the justice minister power to name the presidents of all ordinary courts – have already taken effect.

Only the next stage of Article 7 would involve sanctions, including the loss of voting rights in the Council.