European Commission First Vice-President Frans Timmermans addresses a news conference at the EU Commission headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, in this file photo dated November 16, 2016. REUTERS/Francois Lenoir

STOCKHOLM (Reuters) - It is not yet time to take further action against Poland in a dispute with the European Commission over the rule of law in the eastern European state, Commission First Vice President Frans Timmermans said in Stockholm on Thursday.

“I am not ready to announce any other steps at this stage,” Timmermans told reporters. “We have a number of instruments in our toolbox... I believe there is still room for political dialogue.”

He said he hope to hold a debate on the issue in the General Affairs Council next week.

The EU’s executive arm accuses the nationalist-minded government in Warsaw of undermining democratic checks and balances, especially through its overhaul of Poland’s constitutional court.

Council.