Poland hopes for end to rule-of-law row

But European Commission Vice-President Frans Timmermans remains sceptical, saying that Poland failed to propose any new solutions and that there is still a systemic threat to the rule of law in Poland.

Timmermans wants Poland to make further changes to its judiciary to counteract earlier reforms that Brussels says threatened the independence of courts.

In a three-hour meeting, Polish envoys were probed about controversial judicial changes introduced since the conservative Law and Justice (PiS) party swept to power in late 2015.

The changes sparked huge protests domestically and fierce criticism from Brussels, and led to the EU triggering Article 7 of the EU Treaty, which could potentially mean sanctions against Poland.

The Polish government since amended some of the controversial changes but Brussels said it was not enough.

Poland has since said there was little room for further compromise with Brussels.

After the meeting, Polish Minister for European Affairs Konrad Szymański said Poland explained the EU's doubts.

“I think we have sated the curiosity, doubts of all countries which decided to pose questions,” Szymański said.

“I hope this will bring us closer to an end to this unfortunate incident, which is the dispute with the European Union over justice system reforms in Poland,” Szymański said.

But he suggested that not all of the bloc's members wanted a resolution. (vb)

Source: IAR, PAP