Brussels, 11/09/2014 (Agence Europe) - For some, it is a European Commission which will pursue the objectives of growth, employment and competitiveness, while, for others, it is a “provocation”. Reactions on Wednesday 10 and Thursday 11 September to the presentation by Jean-Claude Juncker of his new team of commissioners (see EUROPE 11152) were many and differing. The new team is due to take up office on 1 November. The incoming commission is one of innovation, the first of which is the creation of the post of First Vice-President, to be Juncker's right-hand man, in the person of Frans Timmermans, and one of a certain degree of risk-taking. Ignoring the warnings of Berlin, Juncker appointed Frenchman Pierre Moscovici to economic and financial affairs, much to the joy of European Socialists who see this appointment as a shift in direction for Europe and the end of austerity. While by giving Gunther Oettinger “only” the digital economy portfolio, when Berlin is reported to have been coveting trade, Juncker has also dealt an “affront to Ms Merkel”, in the view of German daily Die Zeit. Juncker also put UK commissioner Jonathan Hill in charge of financial services - nothing less than “provocation” in the opinion of the European Parliament's Green MEPs.
Portfolios reshaped, controversial names. The remodelling of a number of portfolios also brought reactions. Environment and maritime affairs and fisheries have been brought together in one portfolio, under the charge of Karmenu Vella of Malta “to reflect the twin goals of 'blue' and 'green' growth”, according to Juncker's team. The incoming Commission president also decided to hand responsibility for climate and energy to a single commissioner, Miguel Arias Canete of Spain. These re-combinations have provoked controversy among environmental associations, such as Greenpeace. “Juncker's team is full of surprises - not all of them good. The merging of environment and fisheries and a set-up with two commissioners with energy portfolios are certainly controversial choices. Given their track record, some candidates should also struggle in their hearings at the European Parliament”, the NGO says in a press release.
“A capable and proactive commissioner could help steer the EU towards deep carbon cuts and a clean, efficient energy system. It's a vitally important role and Canete is a surprising choice, given his connections with the oil industry. To prove he is the right man for the job, he'll have to resolve conflicts of interest and improve on his environmental record as a minister”, Greenpeace goes on to say. “Fisheries clearly has a crucial environmental dimension but it would be extremely dangerous to look at it only from that angle. The Commission must not forget that fisheries is also an important economic activity in coastal areas”, stated Alain Cadec, chair of the Parliament's fisheries committee (our translation).
In line with his campaign pledges, Juncker has also brought changes to the enlargement portfolio, which he has turned into European neighbourhood policy and accession negotiations, the term “negotiations” making clear Juncker's unwillingness to bring in any new members in the next five years, while still leaving the door open to candidate countries.
A further change, again in line with his pledges, is the creation of the post of migration (and internal affairs) commissioner, to be held by Dimitris Avramopoulos of Greece. The task of this commissioner seems very clear: to set the priorities of a migration policy which will tackle illegal immigration effectively while, at the same time, making the EU an attractive destination for the best talents. According to Ska Keller (Greens/EFA, Germany) this appointment is a “fiasco”. Two other portfolios have been reshaped: economic and financial affairs (and no longer “monetary”, with monetary policy being taken over by the European Central Bank, Juncker explained on Wednesday) to which responsibility for taxation and customs has been attached - a move that has been well received. Polish commissioner Elzbieta Bienkowska will take over at internal market, to which have been added the industry, entrepreneurship and SME planks, and which will be the “engine room of the real economy”, said Juncker. A large consumers portfolio has also be created, to cover justice, consumers and gender equality. This post is to be held by Czech Vera Jourova.
Seven vice-presidencies will lead the “project teams”, as the new president called them. These seven “leaders” will coordinate the work of several commissioners on very specific issues and will act as filters: they could, thus, in theory, refuse to include on the College of Commissioners' agenda initiatives which do not seem to chime with overall goals, but only after discussion and clear evaluation. Though the precise role of these vice-presidents remains to be settled, it would seem that they will be able to ease the course of texts between the services and DGs concerned, thereby avoiding any possible clashes between commissioners. This should help the executive work more effectively and avoid disputes.
Initial informal seminar. While awaiting their hearings with the European Parliament, scheduled to take place from the end of September (Parliament was due to agree the timetable on Thursday 11 or Friday 12 September), the commissioners-designate met on Thursday 11 September for an informal seminar outside Brussels. The seminar was due to continue on Friday. It was expected that they would discuss budget rules, Ukraine and the TTIP. EUROPE will return to this. (SP)