In a weekend magazine interview, the parliamentary leader of Merkel's party, Volker Kauder, said: "If it is determined that European values are being violated, then (EU) member states must have the courage to impose sanctions".

The German government said on Monday that it was not considering imposing sanctions against Poland for its crackdown on the media and judiciary, after a senior ally of Chancellor Angela Merkel suggested Europe should consider such a step.

"No," government spokesman Steffen Seibert responded when asked whether sanctions were being considered.

In a weekend magazine interview, the parliamentary leader of Merkel's party, Volker Kauder, said: "If it is determined that European values are being violated, then (EU) member states must have the courage to impose sanctions".

Seibert said Germany wanted to preserve and deepen its relationship with Poland.

Source: Pulse