Sharp exchanges at Munich Security Conference

During a panel on the future of the European Union, Waszczykowski said that differences between EU countries are reflected not only in terms of the degree of integration, but also in terms of values.

Timmermans objected and said that certain values are shared by all.

The EU official then talked about the rule of law, saying that it states that Member States do not interfere with the justice system.

"There is no provision anywhere in law that requires a country to have a Constitutional Tribunal, but if you have a Constitutional Tribunal, in line with your constitution, then please do respect the rules of your own constitution," said Timmermans.

Waszczykowski answered: "Please allow us to respect our own constitution, not your vision of our constitution."

Waszczykowski met with journalists after the discussion panel and commented on the exchange.

"We believe that the European Commission does not have the instruments and the right to interfere in the internal arrangements of Member States," the minister told journalists.

"We adhere to certain canons of international law, [such as the] separation of powers, but every EU country has a different model of democracy," he said.

Over 30 heads of state and government and over 70 foreign affairs and defence ministers are attending the Munich Security Conference, which runs until Sunday. (mol/pk)

Source: PAP