EU urges Poland to ensure Constitutional Tribunal operates lawfully

The European Commission has called on Polish authorities to ensure the Constitutional Tribunal functions properly, in line with the country's constitution and European Union Court rulings. Justice Commissioner Michael McGrath emphasized this obligation applies to all Polish citizens. McGrath stated that appointing new tribunal judges falls under the constitutional authority of the Polish Sejm. He referenced a Venice Commission opinion from October 13, 2026, and a European Court of Human Rights decision from May 5, 2026, which ordered Polish authorities not to obstruct judges elected by the Sejm in March. The call follows a deepening crisis in Poland, including the suspension of tribunal head Bogdan Święczkowski, opposition protests outside the court, and President Karol Nawrocki declaring a threat to internal security. McGrath stressed that full respect for the rule of law is what Polish citizens expect and deserve.