EU investigates slipping Polish rule of law

straatburg - The European Parliament is going to investigate the rule of law in Poland. This step could ultimately lead to the country losing its voting rights in the EU. The Polish conservative government has been under fire for some time because it tries to bring the judiciary under political control and thereby does not respect the separation of powers.

A large majority (438 to 152) of the parliamentarians voted Wednesday in Strasbourg for the investigation. They think there is a 'clear risk' that Poland violates European values ​​in the EU treaty.

A commission including Judith Sargentini (GroenLinks) will conduct research and then draw up a report. On the basis of that report, Parliament may call on the Member States to activate Article 7 of the Convention. That procedure could cost Poland the right to vote in the European Council. The chance that this happens is not considered big.