The Party of European Socialists approves of the European Commission's decision to trigger Article 7 of the EU treaties, in response to the violations of the rule of law and the separation of powers by the government and president of Poland.

The PES believes this to be a proportionate measure, after a long period of warnings and of non-cooperation by the Polish authorities.

PES president Sergei Stanishev said:

"As Commission Vice-President Frans Timmermans has said, we have two options: to avoid confrontation indefinitely, or to engage in confrontation now and preserve fundamental rights now and in the future, for the sake of Polish citizens and all other European citizens.

"The separation of powers is one of the EU's fundamental values. It is a false narrative to say that newer member states are being targeted by Brussels. The Polish government should stop portraying itself as a victim -- the true victim here is Polish democracy."

The Article 7 measure will now be submitted to the Council for approval.