The appointment of José Manuel Durão Barroso to be the new President of the European Commission until the end of 2009 has generated both much delight and a few question marks. The reasons to be cheerful are self-evident - the countries in the EU managed to reach consensus that removes uncertainties, soothes a series of conflicts and bitterness left over from the previous failed negotiations and improves the general climate. Very wisely, the Presidency of the European Council had dismissed right from the start any idea of a qualified majority decision, even if possible on the legal front, since a President appointed but opposed by a series of Member States would find it difficult to fit in and his relations with the European Summit would sometimes have been embarrassing. And it is precisely here that the question marks arise - will keeping everybody happy demand too much flexibility?
Too much flexibility? Barroso's own description of his beliefs and behaviour might give this impression at first. He describes himself as a centre-leaning Social Democrat, modern, reforming and anti-state without being a died-in-the-wool neoliberal. Those who know him well describe him as both a dedicated pro-European and a sincere 'Atlanticist'. Too much for a single man? It is understandable that some people say so, particularly on the left of the European Parliament. But other commentators say this is exactly what Europe needs right now - a figurehead whose European credentials are impeccable but who is at the same time convinced that Europe has to have solid relations with the United States; a reformer who is more than a pure neoliberal. Favouring close links with the United States, he rigorously supports EU defence projects. This ecumenism is not necessarily a bad point, it can also mean we have before us a man who can bring ideas together.
Other qualities can be recognised in Barroso. Political courage, which he displayed by imposing a tightening of the belt on Portugal when public spending got out of control (and for which he paid dearly in the recent elections). Diplomatic aptitude, which he displayed domestically over Angola and East Timor when he was foreign minister, and at European level mediating between Chirac and Aznar during the Iraq crisis. The way several heads of state praise him goes beyond polite phrases, even from those in different political parties. Coming from the small and medium-sized country group is an additional strongpoint - in the Constitution negotiations, he defended the legal dignity of all Member States but opposed all weakness with regard to nationalism.
Parliament will play its part. At the European Parliament, Barroso logically gets the support of his political family, the EPP, and stiff opposition from the United Left. Other political groups' reservations are more nuanced. They do not tend to oppose Barroso; even the Greens-EFA, who are the most critical and sceptical of all, are holding back their final views, waiting to see the new President's performance in the EP hearing. Rasmussen repeated the four criteria which will decide the views of the European Socialist Party, namely a commitment to Europe, balancing the pursuit of economic competitiveness with social responsibility, communication skills and the ability to unite public opinion around an ambitious European plan. It is true that the outgoing President of the Socialist group, Enrique Baron Crespo, said that Barroso lacks two of the four necessary qualities, but he left it for the PES to decide what line to take for itself at the vote. On behalf of the Liberal group, Graham Watson said that in order to give its views, the Liberals had to know more about Barroso's European vision, wanting to hear him speak European.
Virtually all commentators, quorum ego, are on the same boat. They need to know more about the Barroso's European views and ambitions, about his personality and charisma. People who know him say he has a wealth of strong points. People who do not have the luck to know him are trying to find out. The impression he gave in the first press conference (see following pages) was highly positive. People who do not know him want a better idea of his ambitions and plans. At Watson said, he has to prove he does not represent the lowest common denominator of the people who selected him (other candidates had exposed themselves more in the past and hence were more vulnerable). Barroso has three weeks to make himself known by the EP. He must bear in mind that if qualities exist, it is the job which helps form the man. Selected because no head of state disliked him, he must now prove that when necessary, he can displease one or other head of state. The way he puts together the new Commission will also play an important role. (F.R.)