Poland represents a dilemma for the European Union (EU). Since coming to power in October 2015, the right-wing Law and Justice party (PiS in Polish) has been weakening the country’s democratic checks and balances. After two years of finger-wagging, the bosses in Brussels appear to have lost patience. Having determined that the rule of law in Poland is under threat, in December EU officials triggered Article 7 of the Treaty on European Union, which refers to “a clear risk of a serious breach” of EU values. Poland has three months to address the concerns. If it does not, it could ultimately lose its EU voting rights. Yet that is not all that is at stake. As Brussels flexes its muscles, the way it deals with Poland will set a precedent that could have ramifications even beyond the EU’s borders.
The Economist: Why the dispute between Poland and the EU matters
Demonstrators burn flares and wave Polish flags during the annual march to commemorate Poland's National Independence Day in Warsaw on Nov. 11, 2017.
