The European Union on Wednesday called on Poland's right-wing government to suspend controversial reforms to the country's courts, expressing "grave concern" that they could undermine judicial freedom.

"The commission urges the Polish authorities to put the new laws on hold and re-engage in the ongoing Rule of Law dialogue with First Vice-President (Frans) Timmermans in an attempt to address the serious concerns expressed," a European Commission statement said following a high-level meeting on the issue.