European Union DERIDED over attempts to THWART Poland’s court control efforts

Dominika Cosic derided the decision of the European Commission’s vice-president, Frans Timmermans, to involve himself in domestic politics.

Tens of thousands of Poles have taken to the street in protest to demand a veto on the controversial bill, which is sponsored by the ruling Law and Justice party (PiS).

The Polish senate defied Brussels’ condemnation and mass protests to approve the law which allows the firing of its current supreme court judges, except those chosen by the justice minister.

Cosic, who is based in Brussels, accused Mr Timmermans of supporting only one side in the “Polish political conflict”.

In a speech, Mr Timmermans said the European Union was “very close” to triggering the sanction, which would spark a major confrontation with one of the EU’s most populous member states.

Speaking to France24, Cosic said: “They have very strong words, but I have a feeling the Commissioner, from the beginning of this conflict, is taking one personal position.

“He is supporting the opposition in Poland… I give you one example, two months ago, he came to Poland at the invitation of leading daily newspapers, which is also now taking part in the internal Polish conflict.

“He was also invited by the Polish vice minister of foreign affairs of European affairs, but he avoided. He told to us journalists, he would not meet with politicians in Poland because Brussels is the place he meets politicians. 

“It was a political signal that he supports one side of Polish political conflict. That was not good in my opinion, until this moment many people were admiring Mr Timmermans but have changed position because they believe he is not neutral.”

Cosic described it as a “pity” because the European Commission should show respect for member states and their governments.

Eurosceptic Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban says his country will use all available legal means to protect Poland from the European Union’s “Inquisition campaign”.

He railed against the EU, insisting the bloc is targeting Poland as it seeks to weaken individual member states.

Mr Orban said: “At this moment, the main target of the Inquisition, the example of national governance to be weakened, destroyed and broke is Poland.”

He added EU leadership is encroaching on EU member states’ rights and trying to apply policies, including increased immigration, which are opposed by most Europeans.