At her hearing in front of MEPs, Dubravka Šuica, the Commissioner-designate for the Mediterranean, who will also be responsible for demography, emphasised human capital, both in the Mediterranean partner countries and within the EU.
Having previously undertaken a similar hearing five years ago to become Vice-President of the European Commission for Democracy and Demography, she did not hesitate to use the time limit (two minutes maximum) to dodge some tricky questions.
In her opening remarks, the Commissioner said that the countries of the Mediterranean “are looking for technological opportunities, clean energy, investment, they want to develop a local industry and create jobs with that project”. “They need reliable partners, and Europe must show that it is the partner of choice”, Ms Šuica told MEPs.
In her view, Europe must move from being the main donor to an actor in the region, playing a “leading” role. “We are going to be present on the ground to reduce the influence of China and Russia, that is the ultimate goal of my portfolio”, the candidate added.
Pact for the Mediterranean. Ms Šuica wants to give concrete form to the new Pact for the Mediterranean, as “a fundamental part of the Pact for European Competitiveness”. This Pact will focus on two main themes, with global and strategic partnerships “in key areas for investment, the economy, digital connectivity, etc.”, and concrete regional investments. According to the current Vice-President of the Commission, this will involve “partnerships on an equal footing with sustainable economic benefits for today and tomorrow”. “I am convinced that building shared prosperity with our partners and neighbours is one of Europe’s most important tasks for the years to come”, she added.
Strategic and comprehensive agreements have already been signed with Egypt and Tunisia. Ms Šuica explained that negotiations were underway with Jordan and that the Commission was also targeting Morocco. “These two countries could be very useful to us and we can help them”, she explained.
Ms Šuica made a commitment to MEPs that she would debate with them before signing any new agreements, which was not the case for the previous two. She also promised that the confidential monitoring reports on the agreements could be shared bilaterally or in camera with MEPs.
Migration. Although her portfolio does not include migration, Ms Šuica has been questioned by numerous MEPs, mainly from right-wing and far-right parties, about the fight against illegal migration.
Migration will be an important part of the new Pact for the Mediterranean. The Commissioner-designate stressed the need for a overall approach, with safe and legal channels for migration - especially as, given its demographic profile, the EU needs to “attract talent” - the fight against illegal migration and the increase in voluntary returns.
According to the candidate, only 20% of illegal migrants are currently sent back to their countries. She called for work on a new Returns directive. “The (European) Council has asked the European Commission to work on this issue; it’s a difficult task, but that’s why we’re proposing these agreements where migration will be an important theme”, she insisted, adding that it was necessary to strengthen the capacities of third countries to receive and reintegrate their returning migrants.
While the agreements with Tunisia and Egypt have been criticised based on their human rights record, Ms Šuica gave assurances that these agreements include the protection of human rights. “Europe’s commitment to the Mediterranean can only reach its full potential if there is a commitment to reform, good governance and the rule of law”, she explained.
Middle East. The Commissioner-designate was also questioned - on several occasions, without any clear policy emerging from her remarks - about the situation in the Middle East.
“The EU should take the lead in creating the conditions for lasting peace and stability in the region”, said Ms Šuica, without however explaining how this could be achieved. “The situation in the Middle East is extremely complex. The dispute has been going on for decades. I don’t claim to be the person who is going to solve the problem, but I am going to try to make progress”, she said, as the President of the European Commission tasked her with developing a new strategy for the Middle East.
Turning to the current situation, Ms Šuica explained: “The tragic loss of life in Gaza, Lebanon and beyond must stop now; this means a ceasefire in Gaza, the release of hostages and the strengthening of humanitarian aid flows to Gaza”.
She promised that the EU would continue its support for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), whose future has been compromised by legislation passed by the Israeli Knesset, which “may not have taken the best decision”. She will also work on a multi-year programme of support for the Palestinian Authority, which must “strengthen itself to become a participant in future dialogue on a two-state solution”.
Asked on several occasions about the association agreement with Israel, Ms Šuica pointed out that its suspension depended on the Member States and that there was no consensus on the matter. According to her, “we cannot suspend the agreement for the time being, because it is the only basis on which [we can] continue to cooperate with Israel”, which will have to be around the table to negotiate the two-state solution. “We have to keep the channels of communication open”, she explained.
Ms Šuica announced that, if confirmed, she would like to organise a joint mission to the Middle East with MEPs.
Turkey. After reiterating on several occasions that Turkey was a partner of the EU, but had to respect international law concerning Cyprus, Ms Šuica explained that Turkey was a candidate country for EU membership and “therefore fell within the remit of Marta Kos”, Commissioner-designate for Enlargement. “It’s her direct responsibility, not mine, but we’ll work together”, she promised.
In conclusion, the Commissioner-designate acknowledged that “the portfolio was unprecedented, complex and vast”. While there is crossover with the missions of several other Commissioners and the EU High Representative, Ms Šuica felt that “the role of the High Representative will be more democratic and mine more economic”.
Gathered at the end of the hearing, the coordinators of the political groups decided to confirm Ms Šuica as Commissioner for the Mediterranean.
(Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)