General Affairs Council, 20 February 2024

Main results

Rule of law in Poland

At the request of the Polish delegation, the Council took stock of developments regarding the Article 7(1) TEU procedure concerning Poland.

The Polish justice minister Adam Bodnar briefed the Council on the reforms the Polish government has undertaken, and is planning to undertake, to address the issues raised under the Article 7 procedure. He underlined that the intention of the new government is to take the necessary steps to allow this procedure to be closed.

The Commission also updated ministers on the developments since 15 November 2023, when the Council last took stock of the situation in Poland.

The rule of law and respect for democracy is a key priority for the Belgian presidency. These values are ultimately the founding values of our Union. The fact that Poland itself proposed to be heard on its reform plan is something we welcomed with a great deal of positive spirit, widely shared by the member states. We will follow up on the actual reforms once implemented. Hadja Lahbib, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of Belgium

The Article 7(1) TEU procedure regarding Poland was launched on 20 December 2017 when the Commission published its reasoned proposal with a set of recommendations regarding justice reform and judicial independence in Poland. Since then, the procedure has regularly been on the Council agenda and six hearings with Poland have been held.

The Council will remain seized of this matter.

• Reasoned proposal regarding the rule of law in Poland
• 2023 Rule of Law Report - Country Chapter Poland
• Rule of law (background information)

March European Council

Ministers started preparations for the European Council meeting on 21 and 22 March 2024 by discussing an annotated draft agenda.

At their meeting in March, EU leaders will address

• Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and the EU’s continued support to Ukraine and its people
• security and defence, including Europe’s need to increase its overall defence readiness and further strengthen its defence technological and industrial base
• the situation in the Middle East
• preparations for the new Strategic Agenda

The European Council will also be invited to endorse the recommendation on the economic policy of the euro area.

Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine has caused massive loss of life, suffering and destruction. As we approach its sad second anniversary, the EU continues to stand firm by the side of Ukraine and its people. In their fight, the Ukrainians are not just defending the sovereignty and territorial integrity of their country, but also our common values and the security of Europe as a whole. Our commitment to continue to provide strong support to Ukraine is unwavering. Hadja Lahbib, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of Belgium

• Annotated draft agenda

The Council also adopted without discussion the items on the lists of legislative and non-legislative A items.