Brussels, 14/11/2012 (Agence Europe) - Though no fault could be found in his knowledge of the issues and he put in a fine performance in his hearing at the European Parliament on 13 November, Tonio Borg (Malta) succeeded in ruffling a few feathers with his very conservative views on abortion, homosexuality and divorce (see EUROPE 10729). During his hearing, the commissioner designate was clear that he would not abandon his personal convictions but that he would abide by the European treaties. The EPP immediately supported Borg's candidacy. Social-Democratic MEPs, however, were far less enthusiastic and the Liberals and Greens will reject his candidacy
The ALDE Group feels that the responses delivered were not satisfactory and that Borg's convictions are at odds with the responsibilities incumbent on a European public health and consumer affairs commissioner. Chris Davies (UK), the ALDE coordinator, said: “The health portfolio embraces a range of issues where impartiality is crucial. The personal views of a commissioner should play no part in shaping policies that affect individuals of both genders and of all sexual orientations. But in the case of Dr Borg we are not assured that the necessary impartiality would prevail. Accordingly we withhold our support for the confirmation of the commissioner designate”. Similarly, the Greens are not expressing their confidence in the current Maltese foreign minister. “Despite welcoming some of Dr Borg's statements on specific files … the Greens/EFA Group will not be able to endorse his candidacy due to the concerns over his convictions, which he has been unable to dispel”, stated group coordinator Satu Hassi (Finland). The Greens were, however, pleased with Borg's remarks on the swift adoption of the tobacco directive, the prudence required in authorising GMOs while awaiting a decision, the proposal for a ban on cloning animals for food and the ban on marketing cosmetic ingredients that had been tested on animals.
The S&D Group is awaiting clarification from Borg before giving its view. Aware that it is important that the new health and consumer affairs commission be appointed swiftly so that progress can be made on a number of issues, and being in no doubt as to the abilities of the commissioner designate, the Social Democrats nevertheless regret that the Maltese government did not nominate a candidate with a less controversial track record and with more commitment to European values. According to group leader Hannes Swoboda (Austria), there is nothing to suggest that Borg will not abide by his word and respect the principles of the European Charter on Fundamental Rights when faced with sensitive issues. The group will continue its discussions over the coming days before it reaches its final decision, which will be decisive for Borg's fate.
The EPP on its own does not have a sufficient majority to have Borg's nomination approved. An EPP source close to the matter suggests that a letter backing the commissioner designate from the coordinators of the ENVI committee, approved by the three relevant Parliamentary committees which met on Wednesday, should see Borg confirmed in post. The rules of procedure for assessing a commissioner set out as conditions his/her overall competence in the issues, his/her personal independence and his/her ability to communicate. If these provisions are complied with, Borg must be deemed competent, the EPP says.
Were he to be confirmed as commissioner, Borg stated that, in addition to a draft directive on tobacco products, he would bring forward legislation on the cloning of animals and on novel foods in June 2013. Answering a question put by Marina Yannakoudakis (CRE, UK) on legislation on clinical trials, Borg said that the Commission had proposed a directive to cut red tape and reverse the reduction in the number of trials. He said be backed an increase in the number of trials, so long as ethical principles were respected. Kartika Liotard (GUE/NGL, Netherlands) sought his view on the differences between health systems. Stressing that health services were a matter reserved to member states, Borg argued against any unjustified discrimination, indicating that, in his opinion, particular attention had to be given to the needs of the vulnerable. Finally, to a question from Giancarlo Scotta (EFD, Italy), declaring his opposition to the ending of the optional labelling system for beef, Borg said that the changes in the rules were to prevent misleading labelling. With regard to the transport of animals, he said he felt that current rules should be properly applied and drew attention to proposals on animal protection due to be brought forward in 2013. He said he wanted to work to protect the interests of online consumers and to guarantee their access to banking services.
Next steps. The chairs of the three relevant committees consulted the coordinators of the political groups after the hearing, seeking their recommendations. They then met on Wednesday, and the leaders of the political groups will meet with their group members to gather their views ahead of the plenary session vote in Strasbourg next week. (IL/transl.fl)