EU accuses Poland of being lax on narcotics smuggling and money laundering

The European Union (EU) Friday began a new round of accession talks with Poland on areas pertaining to domestic affairs and justice. The EU has called on Poland to improve the efficiency of courts, ensure the effectiveness of the police, enhance the efficiency of the border guards and minimize the influence of organized crime before Poland is admitted to the EU. The Polish delegation asserts the demands of the EU are far more rigorous than what they [EU countries] themselves practice. According to deputy Justice Minister Janusz Niedziela, it is inappropriate for the EU to demand of Poland to insure the independence of the judiciary when such practice is not the norm in the EU. Poland has also been advised to strengthen the public administration's ability to fight smuggling of narcotics, money laundering, illegal immigration and encourage the police to effectively fight car theft. (Rzeczpospolita, page A1) S.M.