Brussels, 13/01/2010 (Agence Europe) - The members of the development committee, under the chairmanship of French Green member Eva Joly, met on Tuesday 12 January to hear one of their former European Parliament colleagues, Rumiana Jeleva, designated as being in charge of international cooperation, humanitarian aid and crisis management at the European Commission. Jeleva had headed the Bulgarian delegation at the EPP/ED after the 2007 election. Although re-elected in 2009, she had left the Parliament to become Bulgaria's foreign minister until her designation as commissioner. Jeleva's hearing began with brief comments of a general kind from political groups but, speaking for the Greens, Franziska Keller of Germany asked Ms Jeleva a somewhat awkward question on “gaps” in her declaration of interest. Other MEPs, who were not satisfied by the reassuring response from the commissioner-designate, followed up the matter (see EUROPE No. 10054). In the ensuing debate, coming close to suspension of the session, the committee chairperson chose to continue with questions of a technical nature.
In their declarations, group representatives welcomed the place afforded to humanitarian aid, but Thijs Berman of the Netherlands, who spoke on behalf of the S&D Group, was critical of the “confusion” created by the fact that some dossiers are shared between three commissioners - Jeleva, Ashton and Malmström. He asked whether, in such conditions, it is really possible to ensure that aid is transparent and complementary. Others, especially the ALDE and Greens, were sceptical about the possibility of a clear separation between humanitarian aid and military action.
On this last point, Rumiana Jeleva immediately sought to reassure MEPs, stating in her introductory remarks that she was in favour of clear differentiation between what pertains to humanitarian assistance and what pertains to military action. She was also in favour of improving the situation of humanitarian workers, who fall increasingly victim to fatal attacks. The commissioner-designate set out her priorities - development of the crisis response capability especially with better preparation and coordination of civilian protection, the stepping up of international humanitarian aid, the fight against sexual and sexist violence, and an enhanced effort to ensure that aid effectively reaches the persons for whom it is intended. In practical terms, Jeleva announced a proposal on setting up a European voluntary corps. During the debate, she stated she hoped this would be done before 2011.
In her answers (in English, Bulgarian and German) to parliamentarians' questions, Rumiana Jeleva also sought to be reassuring about any portfolio mix. She said she had met Catherine Ashton and Cecilia Malmström on several occasions and that their work was clearly divided, but that it was nevertheless important to ensure good cooperation and consultation.
Some EP representatives, especially Gay Mitchell (EPP, Ireland), wanted a more openly “proactive” attitude to ensure effective crisis cooperation, working with the Parliament. Jeleva was, she said, ready to prepare scenarios in advance, for example regarding relief for disasters linked to climate change. As far as the food crisis is concerned, she also said she would use more innovative and inventive methods to support local markets (for example, the “cash for food” instrument instead of food aid). On the subject of the safety of those working in crisis regions, questions raised by Belgian Liberal Louis Michel and Patrizia Toia and David-Maria Sassoli of Italy (S&D Group) prompted Rumiana Jeleva to say that one of the ways to improve matters would be to provide more training on the spot, and to call more on third countries so that they respect international humanitarian law. Jeleva, who was questioned on this matter by several MEPs, was more down to earth when it came to measures to help the victims of sexual violence. Measures she proposes range from the setting up of havens for the victims and the provision of psychological and health support. The commissioner-designate intends to present a policy paper on this theme which, in her mind, is a priority. To the question raised by Heidi Hautala (Greens, Finland), who chairs the sub-committee on human rights, regarding the situation of displaced persons living in camps, Jeleva suggested that such persons should be better informed so that they know they cannot be repatriated by force.
Rumiana Jeleva's answers regarding the best way to provide assistance in Gaza were rather general, too general for Belgian Socialist Véronique De Keyser, who spoke of the excellent work achieved by Louis Michel and Benita Ferrero-Waldner, and who wanted more concrete indications about the instruments and means of pressure available to make aid available for the population. According to the commissioner-designate, support for Afghanistan and Pakistan should be partially based in the development of civil society. One question raised by Social Democrat Norbert Neuser was: Should one accept dialogue with moderate Taliban? Rumiana Jeleva's answer was that, if it is truly useful, then it is possible to work with everyone.
Michèle Striffler (EPP, France) pointed to the fact that respect of international humanitarian law was one of Jeleva's priorities, asking what instruments exactly she planned to use for this? To begin with, Jeleva answered, a forum could be organised, even this year. However, she said it was also important to do more to convince third countries.
In her brief final statement, Rumiana Jeleva confirmed her resolve to establish open and constructive dialogue with the European Parliament, but also with the public. The Lisbon Treaty provides an opportunity to help citizens more, and the EU citizens must be shown that the European institutions are there to listen to them - they must be shown that there is solidarity. (L.G./transl.jl)