Brussels, 17/06/2008 (Agence Europe) - On Monday 16 June, Jacques Barrot from France made it through his important European Parliament hearing on his new justice, freedom and security portfolio, with flying colours. This hearing, the result of which will be examined by the plenary on Wednesday 18 June, took place at the civil freedoms, justice and home affairs committee, in cooperation with the legal affairs and women's rights committees.
After “no” vote on Lisbon Treaty. The commissioner began speaking by pointing out that the failure of the referendum in Ireland only temporarily postponed the expansion of Parliament's powers. In reply to Manfred Weber (EPP-ED, Germany), the commissioner affirmed that “we must allow our Irish compatriots time to reflect and await the European Council”. He sought to “learn lessons from this new 'no' and place more emphasis on a practical Europe, one that appeals to the citizen”. On the possible use of a “passerelle” clause [allowing some policy areas to come under co-decision, following a vote by the European Council], he said “the Commission could take an initiative, although the European Council must agree unanimously. That cannot be ruled out but it is hard to achieve”. In response to Claudio Fava who asked: “Can enhanced cooperation be envisaged in JHA matters following the Irish 'no'?” Mr Barrot explained that they had thought of that in connection with harmonising matrimonial law (EUROPE 9677) and asserted that this solution “would enable a way out to be found if the delays (caused by the 'no' vote) prove too long”, adding: “Don't assume the progress made at Lisbon will be forgotten.” But given the circumstances, Barrot also said that they now needed the time to see whether certain ideas progress, for example, the development of European criminal law.
Main dossiers being developed. The commissioner also drew up a broad score board of his priorities. On the thorny question of visa reciprocity with the US, Mr Barrot said he had a “mandate” to negotiate with the United States “so that all European citizens could benefit from the visa waiver programme”, although he stressed that this “will not be done at any cost”. Answering Sophie In 't Veld (ALDE, NL), who raised the concerns about the EU-US high level working group on data protection, Mr Barrot stressed his willingness to work with the freedoms committee on this issue, where a number of disagreements remain with the US. Barrot explained that with regard to the chapter on immigration, he wanted to continue the action of his predecessor in the three areas of legal immigration, the fight against illegal immigration and external border control. Javier Moreno Sanchez (PES, ES) asked whether the Frontex agency might soon have regional offices and its own material resources. Mr Barrot said he hoped to “deploy the necessary resources” to achieve that and to do something about the legal base of Frontex so it could intervene in operations that third countries would like to carry out. Mr Barrot indicated that the Commission was examining the issue of crossing borders through a feasibility study into electronic travel permits. The Commission vice-president saw in this “the beginnings of a complete system” but in contrast to the optimistic position of his predecessor, he thought that it was “rather soon to say that visas are obsolete!” On the question of political asylum and reform of Dublin 2, the commissioner indicated that he would be announcing a draft revision of the system to make it fairer and more efficient. Martine Roure (PES, FR) was concerned about the framework decision on fighting racism and xenophobia, which has not yet been adopted. The commissioner said he had “berated ministers at the last Council about this, as it is unacceptable that this text should remain in the pending tray”. The commissioner also indicated that the future horizontal directive on discrimination would soon be presented, which would require “an alliance” between the Commission and Parliament on the dossier, given that the Council is due to vote on it at unanimity. On the question of protecting children, a matter raised by Roberta Angelilli (UEN, IT), and the strategy adopted by Parliament in January, Mr Barrot said this was “among his priorities” and he announced that new legislation would be put forward to fight the sexual exploitation of children. Stavros Lambrinidis (PES, EL) was concerned about the lack of sanctions when private enterprises misused personal data. The commissioner said he would like to expand the existing directive in this field. Agustín Díaz de Mera (EPP-ED, ES) asked when the Union might have a Community police agency without immunity for its staff, so as to build trust between member states. Mr Barrot replied that “we are going to turn Europol into a real agency, financed from Community funds, and Parliament will exercise its full powers of scrutiny” over its activities. After the hearing, several Socialist MEPs said they supported Barrot's appointment to the justice and home affairs post and underlined his significant competency, political courage and negotiating qualities. (B.C./transl.rh.)