Current:Home > InvestEU releasing 5 billion euros to Poland by year’s end as new government works to restore rule of law-LoTradeCoin
EU releasing 5 billion euros to Poland by year’s end as new government works to restore rule of law
View Date:2024-12-23 20:21:18
BRUSSELS (AP) — The European Union will by year’s end transfer to Poland the first 5 billion euros in funding that was frozen over democratic backsliding under the previous government, the new Polish prime minister and the European Commission president said Friday.
The money is part of a larger tranche that was held up due to laws passed by the previous national conservative government that eroded the independence of judges — something that the EU deemed to be a violation of the democratic separation of powers.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said the 5 billion euros ($5.5 billion) was arriving symbolically in time for Christmas. The money is aimed at helping EU nations recover from the energy crisis that followed Russia’s invasion of Ukraine last year, and reduce their dependence on Russian fossil fuels.
“This is not just a gift. This is serious money earmarked for our energy sovereignty and we will try to spend this money very quickly and wisely,” he said at a news conference alongside EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on the sidelines of a summit of the 27 member states.
The money will start to flow due to pledges by Tusk’s government to restore the rule of law but more steps have to be taken before it is all released. Tusk and his coalition partners won Poland’s national election pledging to restore rule of law and democratic values.
“We know that the rule of law is very important. It is about our place in Europe. It is about our common values,” Tusk said.
He added that Polish lawyers, prosecutors, judges and citizens “never agreed to Poland without the rule of law. And everyone in their capacity was trying to address this issue.”
Von der Leyen expressed her satisfaction.
“I welcome your commitment to put the rule of law at the top of your government agenda and your determination to address all the concerns that have been expressed over the last years by the European Court and by the Commission,” she said.
veryGood! (3)
Related
- Bradley Cooper and Gigi Hadid Enjoy a Broadway Date Night and All that Jazz
- Nebraska governor stands firm on rejection of federal money to feed food-insecure children
- Migrant crossings at U.S. southern border reach record monthly high in December
- Buy the Gifts You Really Wanted With 87% Off Deals on Peter Thomas Roth, Tarte, Peace Out & More
- Police identify 7-year-old child killed in North Carolina weekend shooting
- See the massive rogue wave that crashed into Ventura, California, sending 8 people to the hospital
- First edible mascot in sports history stars in the Pop-Tarts Bowl
- RFK Jr. meets signature threshold in Utah to qualify for ballot
- The Daily Money: All about 'Doge.'
- Rev. William Barber II says AMC theater asked him to leave over a chair; AMC apologizes
Ranking
- Younghoo Koo takes blame for Falcons loss to Saints: 'This game is fully on me'
- Gary Oldman calls his 'Harry Potter' performance as Sirius Black 'mediocre'
- Buy the Gifts You Really Wanted With 87% Off Deals on Peter Thomas Roth, Tarte, Peace Out & More
- SoundHound AI Stock has plunged. But could it be on the upswing next year?
- Appeals Court Affirms Conviction of Everglades Scientist Accused of Stealing ‘Trade Secrets’
- Bowl game schedule today: Breaking down the four college football bowl games on Dec. 29
- Iowa man claims $250,000 from scratch-off lottery win just ahead of Christmas holiday
- Cargo ship carrying lithium ion batteries ordered to continue to Alaska despite a fire in cargo hold
Recommendation
-
Bo the police K-9, who located child taken at knifepoint, wins Hero Dog Awards 2024
-
US citizen inspired by Hamas sought to wage jihad against ‘No. 1 enemy’ America, prosecutors say
-
Shirley Bassey and Ridley Scott are among hundreds awarded in UK’s New Year Honors list
-
Former fast-food building linked to 1978 unsolved slayings in Indiana to be demolished
-
Homes of Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce burglarized, per reports
-
Man charged after 2 killed in police chase crash
-
Schrader runs for 128 yards and a TD as No. 9 Missouri beats No. 7 Ohio State 14-3 in Cotton Bowl
-
Bowl game schedule today: Breaking down the four college football bowl games on Dec. 30