Polish President Andrzej Duda criticized the European Commission on Sunday, accusing it of blocking EU funds in an effort to coerce a change in Poland’s government. He expressed openness to negotiations regarding changes in the justice system. The previous nationalist Law and Justice (PiS) government faced disputes with the EU over judicial reforms and the rule of law, leading to the freezing of billions of EU funds for Poland. The current pro-EU government aims to regain access to the funds by restoring the rule of law, despite resistance from supporters of the former ruling party. Duda stated during a press conference in Vilnius that he perceived the fund blockage as a political move against the previous Polish authorities, aimed at forcing a change. A European Commission spokesperson acknowledged the need for collaboration with Poland to fulfill milestones under the Recovery and Resilience Facility. Duda expressed willingness to negotiate changes in the Polish justice system but rejected any verification of judges appointed during his term. The new government, led by former European Council president Donald Tusk, is committed to regaining access to EU funds. In December, the European Commission announced the transfer of €5 billion ($5.45 billion) to Warsaw from Poland’s €60 billion share of the EU’s COVID-19 recovery stimulus. Polish Funds and Regional Policy Minister Katarzyna Pelczynska-Nalecz confirmed on Saturday that Poland had met conditions to submit crucial documents for accessing the EU’s Structural Funds.
