The event. In these times of Euroscepticism, the news is hardly likely to stir up the crowds, but this column intends to give the event the significance it deserves: next week, the new European Commission takes up its duties. This is progress for democracy, for liberty and for the functioning of the EU, a step forward which will gradually allow the general public a better understanding of the developments in train. The democratic progress is clear: the European Parliament is now the principal interlocutor of the Commission, where previously this position was held by the heads of state and government. Although these will continue to play a vital role, the balance between the various institutions has been strengthened and improved.
Transformation. At the Parliament's vote on 22 October, the new President of the Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker, stressed that his institution would not be a group of twenty-eight Commissioners each working in his or her own corner; it would be a team of Commissioners evolving under the benevolent eye of the vice-presidents. He added, however, that the real boss would be the President himself, adding: “I am too old to start a career as a dictator; but if you can delegate your prerogatives, you can also take them back if needs be”. We recognise his style: humour and firmness in equal measure. Mr Juncker also took the same opportunity to confirm his project for a €300 billion investment plan, but declined to go into details; he will announce these before Christmas.
The case of Tibor Navracsics, former justice minister in a Eurosceptic Hungarian government, was not mentioned on this occasion. Clearly, none of the MEPs wanted to make trouble for the new Commission and the EP has opted to trust the new Hungarian Commissioner.
Outstanding questions. It should not be forgotten that the new Parliament is not made up solely of politicians who are faithful to the idea of European unity and favourable to its progress; all of the different tendencies are represented within it, including political forces which are fighting to undermine European unity and, in some cases, the very existence of the Union: Europhobes and Eurosceptics are all there.
I would invite you to read EUROPE 11182 for the details of how the debate at the EP went. In particular, the controversial issue of negotiations on a trade and investment partnership with the United States was raised. Jean-Claude Juncker's response surprised quite a few observers. Very firmly, he distanced himself somewhat from the European position currently being discussed with the Americans and has delegated responsibility for following this dossier to his first vice-president, Frans Timmermans. A development to keep an eye on.
(FR)