EU top official says Polish ruling is a threat to the bloc

European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen delivers her speech. Picture: Ronald Wittek, Pool Photo via AP

The European Union’s top official locked horns on Tuesday with Poland’s prime minister, arguing that a recent ruling from the country’s constitutional court challenging the supremacy of EU laws is a threat to the bloc’s foundations and will not be left unanswered.

Addressing EU politicians in Strasbourg, European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said she is deeply concerned by the ruling, which she said is “a direct challenge to the unity of the European legal order” and undermines the protection of judicial independence.