The EU parliament has adopted a resolution that provides for the launch of a mechanism for the application of sanctions by the European Union against Poland, Sputnik reported.

According to the statement, members of the European Parliament believe that the situation in Poland represents a "clear risk of a serious breach" of European values, including the rule of law, enshrined in the EU Treaty.

While Article 7.1 of the Treaty on the European Union stipulates the possibility of triggering the preventive mechanism if the majority of four fifths of the European Council members determine that there is a violation of common values, the parliament has decided by 438 votes to 152 with 71 abstentions to prepare a formal request that the Council activate it. 

According to the EU parliament's press release, if the risk still persists and the Polish authorities refuse to comply with the EU's recommendations, the procedure might even lead to the suspension of Poland’s voting rights within the Council. 

The move comes after the Polish parliament adopted two controversial bills on judiciary reform in July. While one of them empowers the parliament to appoint members of the National Council of Judiciary, another bill expands the powers of the justice minister, enabling the official to appoint or dismiss chief judges of ordinary courts.