EU concerns over Polish reform

THE European Union was yesterday mulling turning up the heat on Poland’s rightwing government over plans to reshape the country’s courts – a drive critics say would undermine judicial freedom.

After launching reforms of the constitutional court following its election victory in late 2015, the Polish government last week moved to overhaul the entire judicial system.

“We are following these developments with great concern,” European Commission spokesman Margaritis Schinas said.

The commission was due to hold high-level talks yesterday before vice-president Frans Timmermans gives his assessment of the situation. — AFP