Discussants

• Mikolaj Pietrzak, Dean, Warsaw Bar Association and Partner, Pietrzak, Sidor, and Wspolnicy
• Malgorzata Szuleka, Advocacy Officer, Helsinki Foundation for Human Rights, Poland
• Maciej Nowicki, Vice President of the Board, Helsinki Foundation for Human Rights, Poland

Moderators

• Jonathan D. Katz, Senior Fellow, The German Marshall Fund of the United States
• Melissa Hooper, Director, Human Rights and Civil Society, Human Rights First

The German Marshall Fund of the United States (GMF) and Human Rights First invite you to a timely conversation with three leading Polish legal and human rights experts focused on the rule of law, Poland’s democratic institutions, and security. The discussion will explore the current and future direction of Polish rule of law and democracy, as well as the EU's response. Poland has been at odds with the European Commission over reforms to its judiciary, considered by Brussels to be jeopardizing the rule of law. After months of debate between Brussels and Warsaw, tensions have heightened to the point of the EU pressing forward with Article 7. As Poland moves forward on those judicial reforms, there are also concerns regarding how these changes might impact Poland’s trajectory in Europe and its relationship and engagement with NATO. The panel will discuss the significance of the challenge to rule of law in Poland, its impact on democratic institutions, and relations between Warsaw and the EU. 

To RSVP, please contact Shelby Magid at +1 202 683 2665 or DCIntern1@gmfus.org.