Brussels, 18/06/2009 (Agence Europe) - On Thursday evening at the European Council during a dinner essentially taken up by the debate on who should be designated as the next president of the European Commission, José Manuel Barroso explained to the heads of state and government what his “political ambitions” and work priorities would be over the next five years, if he were re-appointed to the post of president. He had already set out his ambitions in a letter sent on Wednesday evening (17 June) to the 27 leaders. In the letter, Mr Barroso underlines that, if his candidature is confirmed by the European Council and approved by the European Parliament, he would “take this as a mandate to implement the ambitious political vision Europe needs for the next five years”. He goes on to stress that “in times of crisis, we need more than ever a strong European Union and a strong European Commission”. He then sets out his ambitions for the next five years. They are of a somewhat general nature aimed at meeting a maximum number of the demands made by the various political groups at the European Parliament where, we recall, a majority of MEPs are expected to approve the candidate put forward by the European Council. The first ambition set out in the letter is to promote a Europe that “puts opportunity, responsibility and solidarity at the heart of a social market economy”. Mr Barroso says he believes in an “open, competitive and prosperous Europe” which uses the full potential of the internal market and the euro, which fosters an advanced and high-value added industrial base, promotes the development of the agricultural sector, and creates more and better jobs for citizens. The Europe that Mr Barroso wants is also that which “invests in its future”, in modern infrastructure, in research and development, and the development of a knowledge-based society. He goes on to say he would like a Europe that “paves the way for smarter, greener and more sustainable growth”, which “keeps world leadership” in fighting climate change, which develops a low carbon economy and which promotes energy security. Finally, right at the bottom of his list, Mr Barroso promises to “continue to lead the drive towards effective regulation and supervision of global financial markets, shaping globalisation with our own values”, respecting human rights and working in favour of a Europe that “speaks loud and clear with one voice in the world scene”.
This may not please the EP Socialist Group as the social dimension is not a priority in candidate Barroso's vision or ambition. He does of course speak of the social market economy and the need to strengthen “economic and social cohesion” in Europe but, for the rest, the only commitment with regards social policy made by Mr Barroso in his letter to the heads of state and government is to “promote higher social and environmental standards worldwide”. In May this year, the Socialist group had, however, made its support subject to far more ambitious social commitments on the part of the next Commission president. They had above all called for a “change of direction in favour of a more social Europe” with the adoption of a protocol on social progress and review of the directive on posted workers (EUROPE 9895). (H.B./transl.jl)