A scathing opinion from the Advocate General of the Court of Justice of the European Union regarding Adam Bodnar’s “reforms” has dealt a serious blow to the Donald Tusk government’s narrative. The guest of the “Political Talk” program hosted by journalist Michał Jelonek was Law and Justice (PiS) MP Szymon Szymkowski vel Sęk. He sharply criticized both European institutions and the current Polish government’s passivity in the face of the EU’s federalization process.
The MP also addressed the Three Seas Initiative, President Andrzej Duda’s role in U.S. relations, and the fate of key infrastructure projects such as the Central Transportation Hub (CPK) and the nuclear power plant.
EU Overstepping Its Bounds – Government Silent
According to MP Szymkowski vel Sęk, the Advocate General’s opinion should never have been issued in the first place, as the EU has no right to interfere in member states’ judicial systems.
“This opinion isn’t surprising, because EU institutions should not be commenting at all on the organization of justice systems within member states. The Advocate General shouldn’t have said anything on this matter,” he said.
He argued that this is part of a broader trend of the EU institutions expanding their competencies unchecked—something the Tusk government is tacitly allowing.
“I have serious doubts as to whether the EU isn’t overstepping its competencies in recent years. The Tusk government accepts this, claiming it’s necessary for the times we live in,” he explained.
Wasted Presidency, Missed Opportunity
Szymkowski vel Sęk noted that with Poland currently holding the rotating presidency of the EU Council, the government has a unique chance to set its own agenda and amplify a sovereignty-focused voice in Europe. However, the Tusk administration has chosen not to act on this opportunity.
“If we, Law and Justice, were in power right now, it would be simple: we have the presidency and should be using it for such causes. We could set our own agenda here, but the Tusk government isn’t doing that,” he said.
President Duda Defends the Three Seas
The PiS politician also commented on the recent Three Seas Initiative summit, organized at the behest of President Andrzej Duda. He framed it as an attempt to salvage a regional format that the current government has consistently failed to support.
“This is the President trying to rescue the initiative, because the government is doing everything it can to let it die. Poland has full potential to lead among the region’s countries,” he said.
The conversation also touched on Polish-American relations. The MP stressed that it has been President Duda, not the government, bearing the brunt of maintaining ties with the U.S., particularly after the ruling coalition had earlier neglected the relationship—going as far as to insult former President Donald Trump.
Recently, a so-called “bridging agreement” was signed regarding the construction of a nuclear power plant in Poland. However, Szymkowski vel Sęk criticized the fact that, despite being in power for over a year and a half, the current government has done little else on the matter—much like with other strategic initiatives launched under PiS.
“These big projects aren’t this government’s pride and joy—they’re a thorn in its side. CPK has been trimmed down to a skeleton. The nuclear program has also been slowed significantly,” he concluded.