Caught up by some of the personal convictions and positions defended as an MEP, the Commissioner-designate for Democracy and Demography, Dubravka Šuica, struggled to convince a majority of MEPs of her ability to act impartially in the future von der Leyen Commission and to lead a mission that remained unclear on Thursday 3 October, during her hearing before the European Parliament's Committee on Constitutional Affairs (AFCO).
The Croatian Christian Democrat argued that the sense of democratic deficit experienced by many European citizens could be linked to demographic change, especially in rural areas, where the ageing population sees young people migrating and public services gradually being dismantled.
“These Europeans must be given a greater say, especially young people, so that they can shape the future of their Europe, said Ms Šuica, convinced that the renewed turnout in the May European elections reflects a renewed civic interest in the European res publica.
The Commissioner-designate will be responsible for leading the organisation of the Conference on the Future of Europe from 2020 and for two years. As Ms Šuica indicated in her written replies to MEPs' questions (see EUROPE 12338/8), the Commission will quickly present its ideas on the scope, timing and governance of this conference promoted by the French President, Emmanuel Macron.
But “we must work together”, the Croatian told members of the committee on which she sat.
In response to questions from Danuta Huebner (EPP, Poland) on the practical organisation of this exercise, Ms Šuica raised topics for discussion related to the six political priorities put forward by the President-elect of the Commission, Ursula von der Leyen (see EUROPE 12297/1). A steering board will be co-chaired by herself, if confirmed, and by an MEP, even if the former mayor of Dubrovnik did not confirm that Guy Verhofstadt (Renew Europe, Belgium) would be this figure.
Pascal Durand (Renew Europe, France) and Damian Boeselager (Greens/EFA, Germany) asked her if citizens would play a decision-making role. On this point, the candidate remained evasive, referring to the process of citizens’ initiatives. But citizens of EU candidate countries will not be able to participate, she said.
As for the reflection on the process of top candidates (‘Spitzenkandidaten’) and the creation of transnational lists, which Ms Šuica supports, it will be up to her counterpart, Věra Jourová, to provide avenues by the summer of 2020.
Richard Corbett (S&D, UK) then asked her what her reaction would be if European leaders spread untruths about Europe at this Conference. Ms Šuica did not deny the differences between the statements made by some political leaders in Brussels and in their country. But “I don't see what instruments could help us. If some Prime Ministers do so, they are free to say what they want”, she said.
Personal attacks. Several MEPs pointed to the Commissioner Candidate's personal convictions, questioning the compatibility of these convictions with the position to which Ms Šuica claims to adhere.
“You voted against Parliament's opening of the so-called Article 7 procedure on state compliance in Hungary, against greater transparency on the work of the EU Council and against stricter rules governing lobbies”, Daniel Freund (Greens/EFA, Germany) told her.
“I believe in the rule of law” and there are violations in this area, she replied. But she considered that the Commission, as a “neutral arbitrator”, is in a better position than the European Parliament to initiate this type of procedure, which is moreover “blocked” in the EU Council.
“Are you against the replacement theory promoted by the extreme right and against abortion?” asked Raphaël Glücksmann (S&D, France). “I will not condemn anyone. I will act according to the rules. I have always been in favour of legal immigration”, said the Commissioner-designate. As for abortion, “personal convictions are not relevant” to the position I will hold, with termination of pregnancy remaining a national competence.
“What about your opposition to the rights of LGBTI people?” asked Chrysoula Zacharopoulou (Renew Europe, France). “If there is discrimination, we must fight it”, but it has nothing to do with my beliefs, she said. Ms Šuica was more specific in defending her action for the ratification in Croatia of the Istanbul Convention against Violence against Women.
A German MEP asked her about the origin of her personal fortune. Despite the protests of AFCO Committee Chairman Antonio Tajani against issues already dealt with by the Committee on Legal Affairs, Ms Šuica stressed that all the declarations of financial interests she had drawn up in her political career were “clear, transparent and in accordance with the rules”.
In addition to Mr Tajani, Spain's Esteban González Pons, another tenor from the EPP group, has brought up that those who attack Ms Šuica's convictions are actually attacking Christian Democrats, because “Ms Šuica has always voted like the EPP”.
Demographic ageing. On demographic change, the Commissioner-designate listed some measures within her remit. A green paper on population ageing will be presented shortly, creating challenges for health and pension spending and shrinkage and “opportunities”, such as the transmission of knowledge.
Ms Šuica intends to take specific action against the desertification of rural areas. Rural areas are affected by brain drain, hospitals, schools and bus lines are closing, she lamented. In an attempt to reverse the trend, she will use the ‘youth guarantee’, working on the issue of the balance between private and professional life. She will also launch a ‘child guarantee’ to fight child poverty, which affects “a quarter” of all children in the EU.
It is this kind of family-friendly policy that I want to pursue, the Christian Democrat stressed. (Original version in French by Mathieu Bion)