The European Commission has announced it is taking the first steps to close the Article 7 procedure against Poland.
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00:00 Poland is a step closer to exiting the EU's Article 7 rule of law procedure, with the
00:07 European Commission announcing plans to abort its dispute with Warsaw.
00:13 The decision comes after the new centrist government, led by Prime Minister Donald Tusk,
00:18 presented a so-called action plan to restore judicial independence.
00:24 The Commission considers that there is no longer a clear risk of a serious breach of
00:29 the rule of law in Poland.
00:32 The Commission therefore intends to withdraw its recent proposal from 2017 and close the
00:38 Article 7.1 procedure.
00:41 The European Commission triggered Article 7 proceedings against Poland in December 2017,
00:48 after the former Law and Justice Party implemented judicial reforms that critics said compromised
00:54 its independence.
00:57 In February, the new pro-European government presented a plan to restore EU compliance,
01:03 led by Justice Minister Adam Bodnar.
01:07 In a post on X, Bodnar thanked European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen for her support.
01:14 He said Poland is devoted to common European values.
01:19 Politicians with a special interest in the rule of law have cautiously welcomed Warsaw's
01:24 efforts.
01:25 "I think it's difficult.
01:28 The new government is trying to fix what peace has broken in terms of rule of law and fundamental
01:36 rights over eight years.
01:38 I very much applaud the progress that has been made and particularly the intentions
01:43 that are still there, but the job is not done."
01:46 The government has tabled a variety of legislative texts, but none have been adopted so far.
01:52 In February, the Commission approved the release of up to 137 billion euro in frozen EU funds
01:59 for Poland.
02:00 Hungary is the only other EU country facing the Article 7 procedure.
02:05 The final decision on Poland is expected later this month.
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02:15 This video was produced by the European Commission on Foreign Affairs.
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02:26 This video was produced by the European Commission on Foreign Affairs.
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