LOC14:12
11:12 GMT
BRUSSELS, July 29 (KUNA) -- The European Commission (EC) on Saturday announced the launch of an infringement procedure against Poland by sending a Letter of Formal Notice.
The move comes after the publication in the Polish Official Journal of the Law on the Ordinary Courts Organization on Friday.
The Polish authorities have one month to reply to the Letter of Formal Notice, said a statement by the EU's executive body.
The Commission's key legal concern identified in the law on the organization of ordinary courts relates to the discrimination on the basis of gender due to the introduction of a different retirement age for female judges (60 years) and male judges (65 years). This is contrary to the EU treaty, it noted.
The Commission also raised concerns that by giving the Minister of Justice the power to prolong the mandate of judges who have reached retirement age, as well as to dismiss and appoint Court Presidents, the independence of Polish courts will be undermined.
Meanwhile, the EC First Vice-President Frans Timmermans sent a letter yesterday to the Polish Minister of Foreign Affairs reiterating the invitation to him and the Polish Minister of Justice for a meeting in Brussels at their earliest convenience in order to relaunch the dialogue.
"The Commission's hand is still extended to the Polish authorities, in the hope of a constructive dialogue," he said. (end)
nk.msa