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Today at Commission, Polish threats get real

‘There is no way the Polish people will support a government to leave the European Union,’ says Frans Timmermans.

The Commission sprang a surprise on Wednesday by stepping up its criticism of the Polish government and its latest judicial reforms. It is “very close” to triggering the EU’s Article 7 procedure against Poland — a move that can lead to the suspension of a member country’s voting rights, Commission Vice President Frans Timmermans said.

While briefing reporters on the discussions European commissioners had on Wednesday morning, Timmermans said the Commission will next week present a recommendation on the Polish reforms of the judiciary and discuss potential legal action.

Timmermans said triggering Article 7 — sometimes described as the EU’s “nuclear option” — was “part of the discussion” on Poland.

However, he also pointed out that Brussels was still open to discussion with the Polish government and he is ready to meet top Polish officials.

Asked by reporters if pushing for Article 7 could backfire by inflaming anti-EU feelings, and maybe even forcing Poland to leave the bloc, Timmermans said “there is no way the Polish people will support a government to leave the European Union.”

After Timmermans’ press conference, Commissioners Jyrki Katainen and Elżbieta Bieńkowska presented a report on ways to tackle new economic and cybersecurity threats.