Brussels worries the new law could be used to target opposition politicians ahead of Poland’s general election later this year.
The European Commission has launched legal action against Poland over a highly controversial law establishing a special committee to investigate cases of so-called “Russian influence” inside the country.
“The College (of commissioners) agreed to start an infringement procedure by sending a letter of demand in connection with the new law of the state committee for the examination of Russian influence,” said Valdis Dombrovskis, executive vice president of the European Commission. Wednesday afternoon
The controversial committee has been empowered to hold hearings on officials and companies suspected of having acted “to the detriment of the interests of the Republic of Poland” between 2007 and 2022.
Possible sanctions include being banned from holding a security clearance, a charge involving the handling of public funds or a weapons licence.
The bans could last up to 10 years.
The Polish government, led by the Law and Justice (PiS) party, says the committee is needed to strengthen the country’s “cohesion and internal security” in light of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The law was approved by President Andrzej Duda last week, causing critical statements from both the Commission and the US State Department.
Brussels and Washington fear the committee could be used to target politicians ahead of the country’s general elections later this year.
In reaction to the refusal received, President Duda offered on Friday a series of amendments, including the removal of all sanctions. But these amendments are only a proposal and have not been added to the law, which is already in force.
The law has been dubbed “Lex Tusk” because it could potentially target Donald Tusk, who served as prime minister from 2007 to 2014 and currently leads the Civic Platform (PO), the largest opposition party in poland
This is a developing story.
