Brussels, 05/11/2014 (Agence Europe) - For his first official press conference on Wednesday 5 November, the new president of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker, announced changes in the Commission's working methods and took the opportunity to have a pop at David Cameron, whom he accused of “having a problem with the other prime ministers”.
The former prime minister of Luxembourg was once again referring to the budgetary quarrel between London and the EU, although Juncker said on 4 November that he was ready to find a solution with London. “He is waiting for a sign from David Cameron to have a political discussion on the issue”, said one source. The idea could be to allow London to pay the extra €2.1 billion in instalments. The subject will be debated at the Ecofin Council on Friday 7 November.
In line with his modernisation pledges, Juncker has decided to get rid of the BEPA, the (somewhat ossified) Bureau of European Policy Advisers, replacing it with a European Strategic Policy Centre, which would serve as a forward studies unit. It will provide Juncker with solid, specific advice and will be arranged into six units (with up to six members): economic, social, sustainable development, foreign affairs, institutional and communication. This centre will be launched in January. Its ambition will be to “take after the 'forward studies unit' set in place under Jacques Delors”, Juncker explained. He stated that he would not tremble before criticism and would reject any unfounded criticism of the Commission.
Somewhere between humour and real confidence, the Luxembourger expressed concern that he would not be up to the expectations which have been put in his Commission. “I am a bit overawed and concerned by the expectation levels emerging”, he said. “They think I'm capable of anything (…), I'm worried I'll disappoint them.” (SP)