World War 2 or more precisely the war among the western and developed powers which engulfed the entire world, initiated an argument for a supranational commune that can manage a group of nations. While the UN was also an experiment in these lines, the most extreme implication was the establishment of the European Union.
Now as the incentives dwindle, and BREXIT becomes a reality, a threat of Poland leaving is an existential crisis for the European Union. The conflict between Poland and the EU over the priority of EU law is overshadowing a summit of the EU’s 27 member states, in Brussels. The EU may impose sanctions on Poland as a result of its top court’s judgement that several EU laws are incompatible with Poland’s constitution.
The notion of EU primacy over national legislation underpins EU case law. Poland accuses the EU of “blackmail,” while Belgium, like many others, says it must follow the laws. These differences and the no-compromise approach by the EU is angering Poland as it struggles to maintain the supremacy of the law of the land and tries to counter the EU led bullying.
The fact is that even after BREXIT, the EU elites seems to not understand the fragility of the block as a whole and thus never understands the importance of discussion and compromise.
Poland’s concerns being overlooked
In a heated dispute over the rule of law with European Commission leader Ursula von der Leyen, Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki accused the EU of blackmail. The spat in the European Parliament is the result of a high-profile Polish court judgement that struck down major aspects of EU law. Mrs von der Leyen stated that she would take steps to ensure that Poland did not undermine EU ideals. Mr Morawiecki responded by rejecting “threat rhetoric” and accusing the EU of overstepping its authority.
Poland has historically been the European Frontier with the Russian Empire, and in the 21st century, it has been the EU’s frontier with the Russian Federation. Being in the position it is, and having a history of confrontation with Russia, both are sworn, enemies. In addition to this, the President of the popularly elected government of Poland also holds a personal enmity with Russia.
In such a condition, Poland is feeling betrayed by Germany’s Nord Stream 2 deal with Russia. Both Biden and Merkel have realised that they cannot stop the criticism coming from Poland and have thus decided to topple the popular right-wing government by using issues like LGBT rights.
European Union and a possible disbandment
Mateusz Morawiecki, Poland’s prime minister, has issued an unprecedented challenge to one of the European Union’s key legal foundations, escalating his government’s fight with Brussels. It has also fueled fears that Poland is on the verge of exiting the EU, dubbed “Polexit.” The European Commission has yet to approve €57 billion (£48 billion; $66 billion) in Covid-19 recovery money for Poland, and it may not until the disagreement is resolved.
For the longest time, the unnatural union of nations has tried to keep the Eastern European countries shut and made them believe getting out of the Soviet yoke was the last thing they needed. For the longest time, the western European countries kept their interests secured while ignoring the concerns of the Eastern European countries including Poland.
One must remember it was Poland which has earlier experienced atrocities at the hand of the USSR as well as Nazi Germany. Now under Angela Merkel, the country has been singlehandedly ostracised for having a more traditional societal thinking. If Poland moves out, it could start a domino effect.