Poland on course for showdown with EU over duties

On June 15 the European Court of Justice (ECJ) will deal with the question from the Warsaw Voivodship Administrative Court with regard to the motion of an importer who is claiming a refund of wrongly collected duty. Surprisingly, the Polish government warned the ECJ that Poland may face serious financial difficulties should the court support the refund motion and hence may fail to pay its contribution to the European budget. In short, Poland has blackmailed the EU. This undiplomatic and irresponsible move in the opinion of many commentators may result in grave consequences, including losing various subsidies or even the right to vote in all EU institutions. (Dziennik, June 10-11, p.5) J.L.