The foremost priority

A large majority (488 ayes, 137 noes, 72 absentions) gave the green light to “Barroso II”, the second European Executive chaired by the Portuguese politician. Following a long procedure, the Commission was instated on February 10 and will remain in office until October 31 2014. “Full endorsement” and “reservations”. The new team chaired by José Manuel Barroso is already at work. A number of serious questions are on the agenda, from economic recession to climate change, from the enforcement of the Lisbon Treaty to foreign policy, including migration, security, and social cohesion. French MEP Joseph Daul, leader of the European People’s Party (EPP) said, “We endorse the basic direction taken by the Commission”. The French MEP was among the major supporters of Barroso’s re-election. “Now we ought to address the priorities: responding to the economic crisis and creating new jobs. To this regard, we will closely follow the Commission’s activity”. Thus, while the EEP gave its full endorsement to the new team, a yes, “with reservations” was conveyed by Martin Schulz, leader of the Socialists and Democrats (S&D) group. “The commissioners-designate displayed confused ideas and scarce ambition during the hearings”, he said. The only ones who “gained standing” were Michel Barnier, Joaquin Almunia and Kristalina Georgieva, Schulz said. He thus conveyed his “skeptical” support: “We need the Commission to work at full speed, aware of its role and its task. If this will be the case, we will be on Barroso’s side”. Projects and the unity of intentions. Aldo Liberal ALDE group leader Guy Verhofstadt gave an unconditional green light to the new College. He expects the new Commission to “become a driving force for Europe, which has not been the case for the last five years” and wants the commissioners to work as a real college, with a strong sense of unity and the ability to find cross-party support for its policies from all three of the political families that make up the new executive, namely Liberals, People’s party members and Socialists”. Conversely, the historical leader of the Green Party French Daniel Cohn-Bendit said his group would not vote in favour of the Commission. Most of the commissioners-designate had not displayed enough “vision and ambition” in their hearings, he said, but MEPs would still back them on a number of relevant issues such as the combating climate change, countering the crisis in the economy and the implementation of peace”, provided that “the right direction is followed”. On behalf of his group, Czech MEP Jan Zahradil (European Conservatives and Reformists) recalled, “in 2005 Barroso came up with the idea of cutting red tape by simplifying legislation. If he proves he’s a true reformer we will support him, if he shouldn’t we will oppose him”. Thumbs down from the Left group leader Lothar Bisky, who criticised the neoliberal stance of the Commission president and his “scarce sensitivity and initiative in the areas of unemployment, social inclusion and the environment. “You can expect harsh, but fair, exchanges of views with your college”, he said. The new EU Executive Each EU Member State has one representative in the new Commission. There are 7 vice-presidents including Catherine Ashton, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security, one of the new figures introduced by the Lisbon Treaty. Nine women have been designated in the new College that will be in office for a five-year term with new Commissioner portfolios. These are: climate action, home affairs, justice, fundamental rights and citizenship. Other portfolios were reorganized (education, culture, multilingualism and youth; health and consumer policy; industry and enterprise; research and innovation; international cooperation; humanitarian aid and crisis response). Barroso plans to step up the “digital agenda” and highlight “social inclusion in the framework of the employment, social affairs and integration portfolio”. The agenda was presented September last by the president. It includes five “crucial challenges” for Europe: reviving economic growth and ensuring its long-term sustainability; countering unemployment and stepping up social cohesion; transforming the challenge of a sustainable Europe into a competitive advantage; ensuring citizens’ security; developing European citizenship.