Brussels (Brussels Morning) Hungary condemned the European Commission’s “attack” on Poland on Thursday, describing the move as arrogant.
Hungarian Minister of Justice Judit Varga criticised EC’s move as unacceptable, pointing out that “the government has decided… to pass a resolution expressing its support for Poland, and condemn the malicious attacks by Brussels,” according to Reuters reporting.
On Tuesday, the Commission noted that it called on the European Court of Justice (ECJ) to fine Poland over the country’s Disciplinary Chamber of the Supreme Court in an escalation of the long-running dispute between the EC and Poland over the rule of law.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán held a meeting with Polish President Andrzej Duda on Thursday in Budapest where he assured Duda that Hungary fully supports Poland in the row with Brussels.
Orbán described the EC’s move as an abuse of power and added that the fine was “outrageous and completely unacceptable.”
He announced the taking of Poland’s side in EU court proceedings and warned that the Commission’s procedure against Poland could threaten the unity of the bloc.
Poland to dissolve the body
Last month, Poland announced plans to dissolve the Disciplinary Chamber in the coming months as part of broader reforms of the judiciary.
The Commission argues that taking action against Poland is justified, noting that the body is exerting pressure on judges and undercutting EU law.
Varga argues that ignoring Poland’s promise to dissolve the body was “scandalous and arrogant,” adding that the EC was “meddling in the judiciary and law-making process of a sovereign member state in an unprecedented manner.”
Hungary and Poland have been clashing with the Commission over a number of issues including freedom of the media, LGBT rights and the rule of law. The two countries have been allies for years and insist that they are acting in protection of their traditions from Western liberalism.
