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EU concerned about Poland's controversial law on Russian influence

May 31, 2023

The EU may take legal steps in connection with the Polish law on the investigation of Russian influence, which could ban opposition figures from holding public office.

This was reported by Politico.

The EU has joined the criticism previously expressed by the United States and the Polish opposition, saying that the ruling Law and Justice (PiS) party could use the law to intimidate political rivals ahead of the elections at the end of the year.

"I can assure you that we will not hesitate to take immediate action if necessary when we see that there is space and need for such action," said Věra Jourová, the European Commission's Vice-President for Values and Transparency, on Tuesday.

Jourova spoke about the controversial law on the sidelines of an EU ministerial meeting in Brussels on the Commission's ongoing cases against Poland and Hungary over alleged violations of the rule of law.

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"We are particularly concerned about the situation in Poland. A special commission capable of depriving citizens of the right to be elected to public office is a matter of concern to us," Justice Commissioner Didier Reynders told reporters before the EU ministers' meeting.

Brussels and Warsaw have repeatedly clashed over democratic principles, with the European Commission blocking millions of euros in EU funds over concerns that the Polish government is suppressing judicial independence.

While the Polish government defends the controversial law as an attempt to root out Kremlin agents, critics warn that it could be used as a political weapon.

The law provides for the establishment of a commission that can ban people found to have acted under the influence of the Kremlin from holding positions involving the spending of public funds for ten years. This effectively deprives them of the opportunity to run for office.

Author - Olena Madiak, 31/05/2023

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