European Commissioner for Justice Didier Reynders (right) and Poland's new Justice Minister Adam Bodnar take part in a news conference, in Warsaw, Poland, on Jan 19, 2024. (PHOTO / AP)

WARSAW - European Commissioner for Justice Didier Reynders held discussions with the new Polish government on Friday on judicial reforms that could unlock tens of billions of euros worth of European Union funding blocked by the Commission.

During today's visit, Reynders met with Polish Minister of Foreign Affairs Radoslaw Sikorski, Minister of Justice Adam Bodnar, Minister of EU Affairs Adam Szlapka, and heads of the Sejm and Senate committees on European affairs.

The suspension of payments from the bloc's post-COVID recovery fund and cohesion funds, worth tens of billions of euros, was due to EU concerns over the rule of law in Poland. 

Polish Minister of Foreign Affairs Radoslaw Sikorski reiterated the government's commitment to reforms, and said the commission should consider this determination when weighing the possibility of fully unblocking EU funding for Warsaw

The problem stems from a deep overhaul of the judiciary carried out by the previous nationalist Law and Justice (PiS) cabinet, which the EU said damaged democratic checks and balances and demanded a restoration of the rule of law.

Since it came into office last December, the new government led by Prime Minister Donald Tusk has prioritized getting the EU funds unlocked.

ALSO READ: Poland receives first tranche of EU energy funding

On Friday, Reynders was briefed on the latest initiatives undertaken by Polish authorities to restore the rule of law and constitutional order in the country, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Sikorski reiterated the government's commitment to reforms, and said the commission should consider this determination when weighing the possibility of fully unblocking EU funding for Warsaw.

READ MORE: Official: EU to find way to help Poland access frozen EU cash

The parties also discussed EU plans regarding the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, including the possibility of utilizing frozen Russian assets to support the reconstruction efforts in Ukraine, according to the ministry's statement.