The Venice Commission, an international human rights group began two days of meetings with Polish officials to investigate Poland's recent changes to its Constitutional court. Polish officials are trying to prove to the members, which is also a branch of the Council of Europe, that recent changes to the legislation are in accordance with Polish constitution and European standards.
ABC News reported that the government of Poland requested the review by the Venice Commission after the government passed the law last year. The legislation sparked local demonstrations and international criticism.
Although the Venice Commission and the Council of Europe are not part of the European Union, it will make a legally binding decision. According to the Jurist, the outcome of the investigation will be announced in March and is expected to influence EU's investigation whether Poland's government has executed systematic violations of the rule of law.
The European Union is concerned about the changes in the legislation to the constitutional court, as it will make it harder for the organization to strike down the law. Poland also refused new leadership to permit three judges into the court who were chosen legally by the previous centrist government. Moreover, the EU is also worried about a new media law passed by Polish officials that provide the government greater control of state news agencies.
Meanwhile, Gianni Buquicchio, the head of Venice Commission met with President Andrzej Duda on Monday and discussed the issue, as reported by Radio Poland. The two parties are expected to have more meetings along with Polish judicial officials and other members of the commission over the next two days.
Last year, the Law and Justice Party used its majority in parliament to quickly enact constitutional changes. The legislative changes then ignited huge protests from critics who say that the government violated democratic norms. The government then defended the move, saying it is necessary for Poland to develop as a nation.
