Skip to content
File · Poland’s Constitutional Tribunal crisis

Poland: European Commission reaffirms Parliament's powers to appoint judges

The European Commission said on the evening of 31 October 2026 that appointing eight members of Poland's Constitutional Tribunal falls within the Sejm's constitutional powers. It called on Polish authorities to ensure the court can function in accordance with applicable law.

Spokesperson Louise Bogey conveyed the position to Polish news agency PAP; Euronews also reports the Commission's response. Brussels says it is closely monitoring events and refers to the Polish Constitution and the case law of the Court of Justice of the European Union.

The Commission also recalls interim measures issued on 5 May by the European Court of Human Rights requiring authorities not to obstruct judges appointed by the Sejm in March from taking office. That reference concerns their access to judicial duties.

The European intervention follows the contested suspension of the Tribunal's leaders. It expresses the Commission's position and is not a judicial ruling on the legality of that suspension or a resolution of the dispute.

Sources 2
What happened before?Continue in this file · Poland’s Constitutional Tribunal crisis