Minister Adam Bodnar, in his speech (August 1, 2024), emphasized that the rule of law is one of the fundamental values and a crucial condition for the protection of fundamental rights and democracy.

The rule of law means that all authorities always act within the bounds of the law. The concept of the rule of law includes a transparent, democratic, and pluralistic law-making process, effective judicial protection - including access to justice - provided by independent and impartial courts. It also entails the separation of powers. The rule of law requires that everyone be entitled to equal protection under the law. It also prevents the arbitrary use of power by the government. It guarantees the protection of fundamental political rights and civil liberties.

The previous situation in Poland showed how important the rule of law is. The so-called judiciary reform conducted between 2015 and 2023 led to a situation where the judiciary in Poland began to deviate from European and international standards. The state of the judiciary in Poland, particularly the issues of judicial independence and impartiality, raised concerns among many national judges, organizations, judicial associations, courts in other member states, and European Union institutions.

The jurisprudence of the CJEU, which in recent years confirmed the strict connection between judicial independence and the observance of individual rights derived from EU treaties, was unprecedented. Threats to Polish courts were also threats to EU courts because violations of fundamental rights have an impact not only on national law.

The current efforts by the Polish government to restore the rule of law must take these interconnections into account, aiming to strengthen both internal and international systems. Lessons learned from the rule of law crisis of 2015-2023 provide valuable insights for all countries. Poland's constitutional and democratic traditions are an integral part of the national systems of many countries, and the challenges facing Poland contribute to our collective experience.

Minister of Justice Adam Bodnar also delivered a speech at the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, "Fixing a Broken Democracy: Lessons From Poland."

Minister Adam Bodnar's trip to Chicago is at the invitation of the international organization World Justice Project, whose mission is to work towards the development of the rule of law worldwide.

It organizes annual international meetings where distinguished leaders representing different parts of the world and various scientific disciplines meet to develop actions strengthening the rule of law. WJP also created the World Justice Project Rule of Law Index, an assessment tool that shows the extent to which countries adhere to the rule of law.

The Chicago Council on Global Affairs is an American advisory group on international affairs. Its mission is to increase knowledge and engagement in global affairs.

Minister Adam Bodnar commemorated the 80th anniversary of the Warsaw Uprising by laying a wreath at the Polish Soldier's Monument of World War II in Chicago.