More debates than decisions

The latest session of the EP proved, in the end, to be rather turbulent. The week of parliamentary work was characterized not so much by legislative decisions, as by the debates, the heated exchanges, and even the “tug of war” between MEPs and the European Council, in which the governments of the 27 member states are represented. The Barroso Commission too was subjected to criticisms by some deputies in the EP. Held at Strasbourg from 4 to 7 July, the session debated such issues as the multiannual financial framework – the EU budget for the years ahead -, immigration and the Schengen rules, the “Arab spring” and repressions in countries of the Mediterranean area, the role of women in businesses, and GMO crops.Foreign policy and multiannual budget. On foreign policy issues the European Parliament deplored the growing brutality with which the Al-Assad regime is suppressing the legitimate protests of Syrian citizens. In this regard MEPs have called for a resolution of the UN Security Council to be added to the EU condemnation of “the violence and impunity of the regime” in Damascus, pressed for the “creation of a humanitarian corridor for refugees”, and supported the allocation of funds to support the Syrian population. As far as EU internal affairs are concerned, the EP decided to refer to its constitutional affairs commission the planned reform of the electoral system for the EP drafted by the British MEP Andrew Duff (its main innovation would consist in the creation of transnational lists through which to elect 25 MEPs from 2014 onwards). The President of the Commission for his part, in his speech to the Parliament, outlined the Commission’s proposal for the multiannual financial framework 2014-2020, on which both Parliament and Council are competent to decide. The negotiations on the budget proposals that are about to get underway will start out from widely diverging positions between MEPs and member states, given that the latter are determined to limit their transfers to the coffers of the EU. José Manuel Barroso however made a point of declaring that, according to the Commission’s proposal, “the budget won’t cost any more but will be more efficient and will focus on shared objectives aimed at facilitating growth and employment”: “The overarching priority of our proposals is to boost European growth and jobs”. “Without growth it is impossible to return to the path of prosperity”, urged Barroso, receiving, at this point, the applause of the chamber; but “this is possible only by coordinating policies and seeking synergies”, because “one euro spent at the EU level may can mean a saving for member states”.Two guests, then Schengen. The session also welcomed two important guests: Victor Orban, Hungarian premier, presented a summary of what has been achieved under Hungary’s six months’ stewardship of the EU which has now ended, while Donald Tusk, Polish premier, outlined the political priorities of the current six months’ presidency, assigned to Poland. Among the various points developed in his speech, Donald Tusk declared that “integration and solidarity” at the EU level “are the best response to the current economic crisis”. The EP also rejected calls for the re-introduction of border controls within the Schengen area. With a large majority the EP thus responded to the request made by the 27 heads of state and of government during the summit of 23-24 June. In September the Commission intends to prepare a document for the introduction of a “safeguard mechanism” with which to tackle exceptional situations deriving, for example, from massive influxes of immigrants. MEPs however are not in agreement: “the influx of migrants and asylum-seekers cannot justify the re-introduction” of rules that would impede circulation within the borders of the EU. The EP “vehemently deplores” the attempt “of various member states to re-introduce controls on the frontiers” and reiterates its “firm opposition” to any new mechanism that “pursues objectives other than the strengthening of free circulation and the reinforcement of EU governance of the Schengen area”. The only limitations prescribed by the Schengen code that the European Parliament recognizes concern cases of “grave threat to public order or internal security”. More women in boardrooms. More women in top managerial positions in European businesses; and greater commitment on the part of member states to support couples with children, so as to enable women who choose to work to better reconcile professional and domestic life. That’s the gist of the message contained in a non-binding resolution – in effect a political message sent by the EP to EU institutions and member countries – that was approved during the plenary. According to the document, women ought to cover 30% of top executive posts in the largest EU companies quoted on European bourses from 2015 and 40% from 2020. “If the measures on a voluntary basis to increase the number of women in decision-making positions should prove to have failed, then it would be necessary to apply European legislation”. At the present time – explains the resolution – women fill only 10% of managerial roles and only 3% of chairs of boards of directors of major firms quoted on European bourses.