Reply #11: On the contrary [View All]

[Stockholm]

It is an advantage that they are members of the EU. In becoming members they accept what within EU is called acquis communautaire. The term refers to the entire body of European laws and includes all the treaties, regulations and directives passed by the European institutions as well as the rulings of the Court of Justice.

Applicant countries must adopt, implement and enforce all the acquis before they can join.

From the treaty of Amsterdam:

"Any European state may apply form admission, provided it respects the principles of liberty, democray, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, and the rule of law."

Poland is already under scrutiny because of statements and known positions by their new president. The affair of US torture centers within the EU will put further pressure on Poland and ultimately the EU in adressing the issues.