A Warsaw court has issued a new European Arrest Warrant for former Deputy Justice Minister Marcin Romanowski, who has taken refuge in Hungary.
The District Court in Warsaw has issued a new European Arrest Warrant (ENA) for Marcin Romanowski, the former Deputy Minister of Justice, effective February 18, 2026. This decision indicates that Romanowski, who has sought political asylum in Hungary under Viktor OrbΓ‘n's pro-Russian government, remains a subject of legal proceedings in Poland. The Warsaw court, led by Judge Izabela Ledzion, reaffirmed the grounds for his arrest, which were initially established in 2025, and emphasized that if he leaves Hungary and enters any EU country, he would be detained immediately.
The issuance of the arrest warrant is critical as it highlights the ongoing legal challenges Romanowski faces regarding the Justice Fund scandal, where he is believed to have played a significant role. The Polish National Prosecutor's Office is eager to bring charges against him, but his current residence in Hungary complicates the prosecution's efforts. The court's latest ruling underscores the collaborative legal framework across the EU, whereby a warrant issued in one member state is largely recognized and enforceable across others, thereby increasing the pressure on Romanowski.
As the judicial proceedings continue to unfold, the implications for Romanowski's status as a political figure and his asylum claims could significantly impact Hungary-Poland relations, particularly in the context of judicial cooperation within the EU. Politically, the case may influence discussions in Poland regarding the independence of its judiciary and the challenges posed by government officials who find refuge in more amenable states.
