European Union justice commissioner Didier Reynders on Friday (19 January) applauded Poland’s new government for efforts to restore the rule of law, which he said could lead Brussels to unblock frozen EU funds.

The pro-EU government led by Donald Tusk — a former European Council president — last month took over from a right-wing administration which had sparred with Brussels over controversial judicial reforms and appointments.

Brussels had blocked Poland’s access to billions of euros in EU post-pandemic recovery funds because of the standoff.

“I’m very pleased that the Polish authorities are determined to restore the rule of law in Poland, to ensure full compliance of their legislation not only with the Polish constitution but also with the requirements of EU law,” Reynders told reporters in Warsaw.

“Important initiatives have already been launched,” he added, stood alongside Polish Justice Minister Adam Bodnar. “Rest assured that the (European) Commission is fully committed to supporting the Polish government in its endeavours.”

Tusk’s government has made court staffing changes, is working on legislation to separate the role of justice minister and prosecutor general and has submitted Poland’s bid to join the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO).

Speaking of the frozen EU funds, Reynders said: “It is my sincere hope that we will soon be able to give a positive assessment of the first payment request.”

He also expressed hoped that Polish President Andrzej Duda, an ally of theprevious administration, would not stand in the way of the changes.

“I’m hoping that we will have the support from all the authorities, also from the president, to restore the rule of law in Poland,” Reynders said.

Source: Euractiv.com