Hanging questions

Community Europe is seeking effective measures that will counter the economic recession that is affecting the Continent, from the East to the West hitting all Member States. There are over 20 million unemployed, with “negative records” among the youth and women. The issue is scheduled for European Council debate June 18-19 in Brussels, when EU27 heads of government and State will address a series of hanging questions.Recession and future Commission. Among the topics on the agenda figure the process of the Lisbon Treaty (that is the object of upcoming referendum in Ireland) and the appointment of the head of the Commission. The mandate of its current president-in-office José Manuel Barroso is due to expire next fall, but according to EU procedures the name of the next candidate is expected to be submitted this week-end and will undergo Euro-Parliament debate in the first plenary session of the newly elected MEPs in mid July. Several premiers proposed to postpone the decision until after the summer (after the results of the vote in Ireland), others are putting pressure to keep faith to the treaties. At the moment the only accredited candidate is once again Mr. Barroso, whose chances increased after impressive gains went to moderate and conservative parties in the EP election, which Mr. Barroso is a member of. The Czech Republic, in its capacities as EU presidency-in-office made known thought premier Jan Fischer that a number “of hot issues will be debated” in the course of the meeting, including “the blueprint with guarantees granted to Ireland in view of the new referendum on the Lisbon Treaty” along with “financial markets and employment monitoring” and “the name of the President of the Commission”. The problem of abstention. EP President Hans-Gert Poettering, holding office until July 14, will attend the EU heads of State and Government meeting also. The German politician will be the first to speak and will present an analysis of European election, MEPs’ proposals on the economic crisis and the legislative documents still needing the endorsement of Parliament and Council in view of the handing of the baton of the rotating presidency, which Sweden will take over July 1st. As relates the recent election Mr. Poettering said, “EU citizens have elected the new Parliament, I wish to thank all those who went to the polls. The turnout was of 151 million voters. We are disappointed over the low turnouts, since figures are below our expectations. We must lay the grounds for the next election here and now”, with “more effective action” on the part of the Union, and in view of “more accurate and constant feedback on EP work during the course of the legislature”. No consultation. “The Treaty of Nice doesn’t envisage consultations, but it doesn’t prevent them either”. Jo Leinen, also from Germany, is the president of the Commission for Constitutional affairs of the European Parliament. He will occupy this post until his successor is appointed once the Parliament takes office. He delivered his reflections regarding the designation of the head of the Commission. In fact, according to the Treaty of Nice, which is still in force, the candidate at the lead of the Executive must be indicated by the European Council and ratified with parliamentary vote, scheduled for July 15. While according to the Lisbon Treaty (undergoing ratification procedure) the appointment must take into account the outcome of the European election and envisages the consultation of the Euro-Assembly. There is no time for this, Leinen explained, but he believes that the presidency-in-office should have taken into account at least the leaders of the political groups with a seat in the EP. Lists and European programs. Leinen remarked, “We must reflect on the future of European elections, since we cannot continue along this path”. He referred to the election turnouts that have been undergoing “constant decrease over the past thirty years”. Thus, “it is necessary to break with the past. Different conditions and new election regulations are needed”. “Here’s the paradox: how can European elections become more European”. At this point the president of the Parliamentary commission launched the proposal contained in the so-called “Duff project” (after British MEP Andrew Duff). Accordingly, “European candidate-lists should be added” to national-party candidate lists, from which “at least 10% of MEPs” should be elected (with two different ballot papers) “A public European debate will be possible only when political parties will implement a European electoral campaign”. In this context Leinen proposes that “each European political party indicate their own candidate” called to guide the EU Commission.