Copenhagen – ESI at debate on Poland and the battle for judicial independence

27 May 2022
Video: EDI

ESI’s Gerald Knaus was invited to participate in a debate on “Poland and the battle for judicial independence - Is the rule of law dying in an EU member state?” organised by the European Debate Initiative (EDI).

In his presentation, Gerald spoke about how the rule of law can be protected and if the EU can be strategic in doing so. He outlined the limited tools that the EU has to protect it and how Poland has been determined to undermine the rule of law and deprive its courts and judges of independence.

Gerald also stressed the role that the European Court of Justice can play in this debate and how the Polish government should be sanctioned.

Gerald debated with Polish lawyers Sylwia Gregorczyk-Abram and Michał Wawrykiewicz who founded the most effective civil society initiative – Free Courts – to oppose the subjugation of courts and defend judges.