The President-elect of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, was right to want to take up the defence of the European way of life which, contrary to how populists want to exploit it, conveys positive ideas of inclusion, solidarity and welcoming into Europe all those who need it. Greek Margaritis Schinas, Vice-President-designate for the Protection of the European Way of Life, appeared before the MEPs of the European Parliament's Committees on Civil Liberties, Employment and Culture on Thursday 3 October, refusing to oppose the title of his portfolio.
Much awaited on this controversial title, which several elected officials - like Germany's Birgit Sippel (S&D) or the Dutch Sophie in't Veld (Renew Europe) - have again asked him to condemn, the Vice-President-designate remained very firm in response to these calls and even considered that renouncing this title would be “a concession to Marine Le Pen” and the populists.
However, the Commissioner-designate acknowledged that the “words have meaning”, but, while respecting the emotions that this title evoked, he said that he had “never shared the views that this title would induce an ‘us’ against ‘the culture of others’”.
For him, one should rather be proud that Europe and its values of diversity are “admired and envied”, and this is also what makes it possible to make societies more inclusive.
To Birgit Sippel (S&D, Germany) who asked him, “Against whom should we protect ourselves?”, the former Commission spokesman replied, “the terrorists of 14 July [in Nice], the Ramblas, in Barcelona”, two deadly attack sites, signalling “all those who refuse our approach to inclusion and integration”. But he “categorically rejected” the fact that his portfolio could be synonymous with shutting others out. “Building bridges between people is what I have always done over the past 30 years and I will continue to do”, he promised.
Beyond this controversy, which broadly marked his hearing but did not completely dominate it, the Vice-President-designate had the opportunity to specify what he intended to do in the areas that will be under his supervision between migration, health, education, sport and security.
If possible, a new Pact for Migration and Asylum, early 2020
Mr Schinas pointed out that migration policies will be guided by European values of inclusiveness, stressing that “Europe will always be a land of asylum”. Even if “we must be clear: those who cannot have asylum will have to leave”, he explained. Mr Schinas also considered that “NGOs are not part of the problem, they are rather part of the solution”.
The Greek reiterated that the Commission would start by listening to Member States and the European Parliament in an attempt to give the Asylum Package a “new start”.
Options based on these exchanges will be “tabled very quickly”, before the “end of the year”, and formal proposals proposed, “if all goes well, early 2020”, he announced. But one thing is certain, “the legislative work of Parliament in recent years must remain on the table”, although the main focus should be on “the review of Dublin and the regulation on asylum procedures”.
It is only by looking at all the elements, including a better returns policy, that he wants to consolidate with better readmission agreements “with priority transit and origin countries” and other legal migration channels, that a possible outcome will be found on the ‘Asylum Package’, he said. But a forced transition in the EU Council with qualified majority voting will not be a solution: “I believe that, politically, this is to be avoided”, explained the Vice-President-designate.
More opportunities for young people
For the other dossiers, the Greek has placed great emphasis on inclusive education and strengthening accessibility to the Erasmus+ programme. “I am discussing this subject with my colleague Nicolas Schmit on how to use the European Social Fund” to strengthen the inclusiveness of the mobility programme for young people, he explained.
Mr Schinas also mentioned the introduction of a ‘child guarantee’, which should focus on the poorest families in which children have fewer opportunities to access education or health. It will also be necessary to work to establish a “universal principle” for internships, which must be limited and remunerated.
Finally, even if this does not fall within the EU's competence, Margaritis Schinas has had words for art and culture in the Member States, which also make up the “European way of life”. Here again, he will be keen to promote them.
A well-received performance
These three hours of hearings will have been generally done well, with the Vice-President-designate having shown himself to be solid and having even been applauded from time to time for his positions. At first glance, the reactions seemed rather positive on his profile, but the name of the portfolio could work against him.
This was the view of Fabienne Keller (Renew Europe, France) at the end of the hearing, acknowledging that the candidate had expertise and that he had reassured Parliament on certain points, indicating in particular that Parliament’s work on the ‘Asylum Package’ would be preserved. “But we will be stuck on the name”, which will continue to be a problem, she said, even if it will be mainly a request for “Mrs von der Leyen”.
The same goes for the Greens/EFA, whose coordinator, Tineke Strik (Netherlands), considered that the Greek was “well prepared” and that he had given good signals against the far right. But there is still uncertainty on some issues such as data retention or this new migration pact, she told EUROPE. And the name of the portfolio remains a problem because, despite what Mr Schinas said, it sounds completely different to the outside, the Greens/EFA coordinator said.
At the end of the hearing, the coordinators were to meet to discuss Mr Schinas' performance. (Original version in French by Solenn Paulic)