LIVEBLOG: Poland looms large as EU leaders discuss energy, migration

Information only, no triggering of conditionality mechanism in coming weeks

Commission President Ursula von der Leyen confirmed that no measures will be taken under the EU regulation that ties bloc funds to rule of law before the EU’s top court gives its stamp of approval.

Von der Leyen’s Justice Commissioner Didier Reynders has said earlier that letters related to the regulation could be sent out in the following “days or weeks”, leading many to speculate that the EU executive was ready to trigger the mechanism.

However, pressed by journalists after the summit, von der Leyen clarified that the letters that might be sent will not be notification letters required as a first step by the regulation as those keen to uphold the deteriorating rule of law situation in EU countries like Poland and Hungary had hoped.

“No measures will be taken before the ruling but of course, we can send letters, ask for information or questions that are necessary to be asked,” Von der Leyed said.