Top EU Court Rules Poland's Judicial Reforms Violate European Law, Dealing Blow to Ruling Party

The European Court of Justice ruled Poland's 2019 judicial reforms violated EU law and upheld a decision to fine the country.
The EU has accused Poland's ruling Law and Justice party of undermining democracy and the rule of law with reforms giving the government control over the judiciary.
The EU court struck down elements of Poland's judicial overhaul, saying they violated the bloc's democracy principles.
Poland must now amend parts of its judicial system found to be illegal under EU law.
The rulings come ahead of Poland's fall election and as billions in EU funds remain withheld over rule-of-law concerns.