Polish Constitutional Court: A number of provisions of the European convention contradict the constitution | News from Germany about Europe

A number of provisions of the European Convention on Human Rights are incompatible with the Polish constitution. This is the conclusion reached by the Constitutional Court (CC) in Warsaw. This was announced on Wednesday, November 24, by the Deputy Minister of Justice of Poland Sebastian Kaleta.

“The Constitutional Court is overturning a ruling from the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) that violates our system,” Caleta wrote on Twitter.

The Polish Ministry of Justice referred the case to the Constitutional Court after the ECHR condemned Poland in May for, in Brussels’ opinion, the inappropriate appointment of a constitutional judge. Critics accuse the Warsaw government of undermining the independence of the judiciary and violating the separation of powers. Poland insists that the ECHR has no right to check the legality of the choice of judges of the Constitutional Court.

The European Commission is required to launch a mechanism to deprive Poland of funds from EU funds

Brussels demands from Warsaw to clarify the situation with the observance of the EU legislation. The European Commission has previously been vigorously criticized by members of the European Parliament, activists and opponents of the authorities in Warsaw for the fact that it is pulling using its powers to deprive this country of EU funds. The European Parliament even filed a lawsuit against the EC in connection with its inability to apply this tool.

Brussels investigation

The EU rule of law mechanism has been in place since early 2021. It provides that the European Commission can reduce the allocation of funds from the joint budget to those states in which there is a threat of misuse of money due to violations of the rule of law.

In April 2020, the European Commission initiated a new investigation against Poland due to the reform of the judicial system in that country. Warsaw was required to bring this system in line with EU standards.

See also:

Wroclaw – the city of bridges and churches
Breslau, Breslau, Wroclaw
According to legend, Wroclaw was founded by the Czech prince Vratislav, who ruled from 915-921. The name of this settlement comes from his name. The city was the capital of the Polish principality of Silesia, was under the rule of the Kingdom of Bohemia, and was part of Prussia. Today it is one of the largest (fourth in terms of population) and oldest cities in Poland.

Wroclaw – the city of bridges and churches
No fuss
The historical center of Wroclaw is the medieval Market Square framed by old mansions with colorful facades. In almost every house on the ground floor there is a cafe, restaurant or shop. Even on the busiest days, peace and tranquility reign here: although Wroclaw is a fairly large city (more than 600 thousand inhabitants), life in it proceeds at a measured pace.

Wroclaw – the city of bridges and churches
The miracle of Wroclaw
The Town Hall on the Market Square is the main architectural landmark of Wroclaw. The building is over 700 years old. At first, it was a one-story building, which expanded and built on, keeping up with the growing city. Today, the town hall demonstrates a motley mixture of styles: from the Renaissance to the Gothic. During World War II, it remained the only building that survived – bombs turned the city into ruins.

Wroclaw – the city of bridges and churches
A university with a rich history
The first attempt to found Wroclaw University dates back to 1505. But the university was officially opened on November 15, 1702. Already in the 19th century, he owned a rich library, an astronomical observatory, a botanical garden, a zoo and an art gallery. After the transfer of the city of Breslau to Poland, the German university was transformed into a Polish state university.

Wroclaw – the city of bridges and churches
Italy on the Oder
Wroclaw was once called “the flower of Europe”. The historical center of the city is over 1000 years old. Its cobbled streets and shady arcades give off the aura of Italian cities.

Wroclaw – the city of bridges and churches
100 bridges
Wroclaw is also called the city of 100 churches and 100 bridges. The city stretches along the banks of the Oder and its tributaries – on islands between numerous canals. It is no coincidence that it is considered the Polish Venice.

Wroclaw – the city of bridges and churches
One is more beautiful than the other
The steel Tumski Bridge over the Oder River was built in 1889 and replaced the old wooden one. It is closed to car traffic today.

Wroclaw – the city of bridges and churches
Achievement of technique and architecture
The Redziński Bridge – the highest and longest in Poland – reaches 122 meters in height and 1.7 kilometers in length.

Wroclaw – the city of bridges and churches
Multifunctional monument
In 1913, when Breslau was part of Germany, in honor of the centenary of the Battle of the Nations, a grandiose “Hall of the Century” or “People’s House” was built in the city according to the design of the German architect Max Berg. This cultural and sports complex of record dimensions for its time serves to this day as a unique example of reinforced concrete buildings. In 2006, it became a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Wroclaw – the city of bridges and churches
What is missing in Wroclaw
Wroclaw is a city of centuries-old history and modern culture. The Biennale of Media Art, one of the most important artistic events in Central Europe, takes place here. You can get to Wroclaw both by train and by plane. Buses and trams run around the city, and there is also an automatic bicycle rental network. But what is not in Wroclaw is trolleybuses.
Author: Ella Volodina