Brussels worries the new law could be used to target opposition politicians in the run-up to Poland’s general election later this year.
The European Commission has launched legal action against Poland over a highly controversial law that establishes a special committee to investigate cases of so-called “Russian influence” inside the country.
“The College (of Commissioners) agreed to start an infringement procedure by sending a letter of formal notice in relation to the new law on the state committee for examination of Russian influence,” Valdis Dombrovskis, the European Commission’s executive vice-president, said on Wednesday afternoon.
The controversial committee has been empowered to hold hearings on officials and companies that are suspected of having acted to “the detriment of the interests of the Republic of Poland” between the years 2007 and 2022.
Potential penalties include bans on holding a security clearance, a position that involves the management of public funds or a weapons license.
The prohibitions could last up to 10 years.
The Polish government, led by the hard-right Law and Justice party (PiS), says the committee is necessary to strengthen the country’s “cohesion and internal security” in light of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The law was approved by President Andrzej Duda last week, prompting critical statements from both the Commission and the US Department of State.
Brussels and Washington worry the committee could be used to target politicians in the run-up to the country’s general election later this year.
In reaction to the negative reception, President Duda offered on Friday a series of amendments, including the removal of all the penalties. But these amendments are just a proposal and have not been added to the law, which is already in force.
The law has been dubbed “Lex Tusk” because it could possibly target Donald Tusk, who served as prime minister between 2007 and 2014 and currently leads Civic Platform (PO), Poland’s largest opposition party.
This is a developing story.
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