January 10, 2020
Alerted by various associations of Polish judges, the Network of the Presidents of the Supreme Judicial Courts of the European Union is concerned about the recent amendments to the laws on the judiciary adopted by the Parliament of the Republic of Poland on 20 December 2019. The proposed legislative changes provide for a set of restrictions on the legal status of judges that would affect their independence and would allow the dismissal of judges who question judicial reforms.
Co-operation in the field of justice is largely based on mutual trust in the administration of justice within the European Union. The Network of Presidents therefore expresses its deep concern that the interferences by the Polish authorities will not only have the effect of undermining the rule of law and judicial independence, but also mutual trust in the administration of justice.
The Network of Presidents is an organisation comprising the Presidents of the Supreme Judicial Courts of the European Union. Its members meet to discuss matters of common interest and concern, exchange ideas and information. It provides a forum through which European institutions may request the opinion of the Supreme Judicial Courts of the European Union.
