BRUSSELS (AP) — The European Union took a first step Thursday toward ending its standoff with member state Poland, announcing it would begin releasing billions of euros frozen over what the bloc called a rollback of democratic principles under Poland.
The move is prime praise for Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, who has tirelessly sought since coming to power in December to oppose measures taken during the past conservative government. Beyond its political importance, it is preparing the budget for up to 135 billion euros ($145 billion). ) in EU aid to Poland over the next few years.
The resolution consolidates a radical change in relations. The two sides clashed openly after the staunchly nationalist Law and Justice party took over in 2015 and implemented reforms that critics say put Poland’s judicial formula under political control. voting rights and has also blocked their access to EU funds.
“Today is a historic day for Poland,” said European Commission Vice-President Valdis Dombrovskis. “Thanks to their efforts to repair the rule of law, we can now unlock access” to a large amount of budget helping EU countries since the COVID-19 crisis and assistance for their economies to catch up with richer member states.
Under confusing EU accounting rules, Poland could get the first 600 million euros ($650 million) in genuine money from a 75 billion euro ($80 billion) aid fund that had been blocked in the coming weeks. More budget will be transferred once Poland A €6. 3 billion ($6. 8 billion) disbursement of a €60 billion ($65 billion) program to boost recovery from the slowdown of the COVID-19 pandemic is also expected to be announced soon.
In Warsaw, Deputy Foreign Minister Andrzej Szejna said the publication of the budget meant Tusk had regained EU acceptance in Poland.
“Today’s news is very important to us. It is the result of the efforts of the current government, which strives to be effective,” Szejna said.
Szejna said the availability of budget will have an effect on the economy through investments and could help reduce the unemployment rate in Poland, which currently stands at 5. 4%.
Tusk’s election victory last October was key to bringing about change. The Commission now recognises that sufficient efforts have been made to combat the disorder and to be able to start releasing the funds. If Poland fails to take full effect, restrictive measures may be reimposed.
EU Vice-President Vera Jourova expressed confidence in Tusk’s policy: “Today we are turning the page on the rule of law issues in Poland, as we recognise the progress made through the government. “
Poland’s pro-European coalition of three center-left parties led by Tusk won parliamentary elections on Oct. 15 and gained strength in December, succeeding the Law and Justice party that had ruled for eight years and made adjustments to the judicial system, reproductive rights and the media. which have put Poland on a collision course with the EU.
The breakthrough in this impasse came after Polish Justice Minister Adam Bodnar presented EU officials with an “action plan” outlining a draft law. EU officials were also under pressure that some of the proposals in the Polish plan might not be laws without the President’s approval. Andrzej Duda, a faithful friend of the Ley party and Justicia. Su mandate will last until 2025.
Despite those internal political challenges, the EU felt there was enough positive legal momentum to start releasing the funds.
The cash will come from the EU’s Next Generation fund to help the bloc’s members overcome the slowdown of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as a team spirit fund that supports infrastructure development.
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Monika Scislowska contributed from Warsaw.