EU Commission Vice President Frans Timmermans discusses EU action against Poland on Dec. 20. A controversial plan by Warsaw to reform the Polish judiciary prompted the European Union to start a procedure that could lead to sanctions.
On the Record Weakness is the most certain path to conflict. And unrivaled power is the surest means of defense. National Security Strategy of the United States, December 2017 On Our Radar The European Union Turns a Watchful Eye Toward Romania . We are keeping a close eye on the frictions between Poland and the EU Commission. The dispute is notable because for the first time, Brussels has started a procedure that could lead to sanctions against Warsaw over a controversial plan to reform the Polish judiciary. This move is putting Poland's neighbors in an awkward situation: While Hungary has promised to veto any sanctions against Poland, the Czech Republic has shown more caution. In the meantime, Romanian lawmakers have approved their own controversial reforms of the judiciary, creating fears in Brussels that Poland may not be an isolated case.
