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The relations between the European Union (EU) and Poland are tensed. For years, a conflict has simmered between Brussels and Warsaw over fundamental questions of democracy and the rule of law. The recent decision by the Polish Constitutional Court to give national law precedence over EU law is aligns with a series of controversial events which commenced with the judicial reform introduced by the ruling Law and Justice party "PiS" in 2015. To protect the rule of law in Poland, the EU Commission has already opened several infringement proceedings against Warsaw, in addition to a complaint to the European Court of Justice (ECJ). The PiS government, which is considered as eurosceptic and which governs with an absolute majority, is at the same time opposed by a strong commitment of the polish population to the European Union. More than 80 percent of the population is in favour of remaining in the EU. Thus, the reforms of the judicial system repeatedly lead to demonstrations throughout the country. Most recently, tens of thousands of EU supporters responded to the call of the opposition leader and former EU Council President Donald Tusk to reaffirm their commitment to the EU and to demonstrate against the government's euro-critical policy.
What goal does the PiS-led government follow with the verdict? Has Poland embarked on the path of leaving the EU? What real influence could the protests under opposition leader Donald Tusk have on the government in Warsaw? What measures does the EU Commission have at its disposal for protecting the rule of law in Poland? Which common values do Poland and the EU share?
The event "KAS Europe Talks: EU-Poland Relations between Ice Age and Thaw" will take place on Monday, 8th November 2021 from 17:30-18:30 CET via Zoom. We look forward to debating the above topics with our colleague David Gregosz, Head of the polish office of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung. After the discussion between Mr. Gregosz and Dr. Hardy Ostry, Head of the European Office of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung, the audience will have the opportunity to raise their questions in the conversation. The event will be held in German and will also be simultaneously translated into English.
To participate in the event, please register under this LINK.
We are looking forward to your participation!
