In this interview with Maya Hojeij from Asharq Business Bloomberg, Christof Rühl, member of the Advisory Board of Crystol Energy and a Senior Fellow at the Center on Global Energy Policy at Columbia University, comments on the tensions between Poland and the EU.
Christof eliminates the option of a ‘Polexit’ since, unlike the UK, Poland receives substantial financial support and other forms of benefits from the EU. Additionally, the UK wanted to leverage its relationship with the US and a degree of freedom away from EU laws and regulations, something which Poland lacks. A Polexit could mean more Russian interference in Polish politics and that is not the favored choice to date.
He adds that Poland does not have bad intentions, since the country was fully aware of EU requirements to become a member. The only issue is with the Polish law and judicial system which should fully conform with the EU laws. The equation is simple, Poland has to abide by the EU membership terms and conditions to benefit from financial support. Any breach would, thus, halt this support.
Christof concludes that the outcome of events with the Polish dispute will delineate the relationship between the EU and other members, such as Hungary. The picture will need time to become clear.
Watch the full discussion (in Arabic)
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