Jourova: Poland needs to meet agreed judicial milestones in full

Poland's Minister for European Union Affairs Szymon Szynkowski vel Sęk went to Brussels Wednesday (November 9) to discuss unblocking of money for Poland from Recovery Plan, paid out based on the country's National Recovery Plan.

"We had a constructive discussion with Polish Minister of EU Affairs Szymon Szynkowski vel Sęk about the independence of judiciary in Poland, especially in the context of the judicial milestones in the Recovery Plan," Vice President of the European Commission for Values and Transparency Vera Jourova wrote on Twitter after the meeting with the Polish minister.

She added that "this was a step in the right direction and I am looking forward to continue the dialogue". "The milestones, agreed with the PL government, have to be met in full. We are ready to support PL efforts to achieve this" - Vera Jourova underscored.

Szynkowski vel Sek said he and Jourova discussed multiple topics, including support for Ukraine, sanctions on Russia, as well as Poland's relations with EU institutions. "All these issues were discussed and these talks will be continued," he added.

"We could say it was a productive, intensive day during which I wanted to take a closer look at the concerns still held by the EC, because of which the Commission hasn't yet declared readiness to financial implementation of the KPO (National Recovery Plan - edit.). I think I have alleviated some of these concerns," he said.

The minister also said that during the talks he had underscored Poland's openness to dialogue and expectation of reciprocal openness. "The coming days will show how this openness declared by EC representatives today translates into concrete action and decisions," Szynkowski vel Sęk stressed.