The time of appointments

Among the items on the agenda of the European Council of June 18-19 figures the appointment of the President of the Commission. The team led by José Manuel Barroso, from Portugal, took office November 22 2004, this mandate is due to expire October 31st. According to EU procedures, the name of the next Executive chair will be disclosed during the summit and will undergo MEP approval in the meeting scheduled in Strasburg in mid July. The designation. As relates to the opportunity of proceeding with the indication of the successor of Barroso (or his confirmation) a lively debate developed within EU institutions among Member State leaders, involving also European political parties. Some suggested to follow the guidelines envisaged by the treaties, while others proposed to postpone candidatures (of the President and 26 commissioners) until after the results of the Irish referendum for the ratification of the Lisbon Treaty due to be held next fall. However, the outcome of the political election in Germany scheduled for next fall was also mentioned, as if EU appointments depended on the domestic politics of the 27 Member States. What is sure is that after the EP election, that ascribed the majority of the seats to the moderate and conservative parties represented by the People’s Party, it is widely believed that Barroso will gain greater consensus than expected. But candidatures represent a multi-faceted puzzle, which includes EU Assembly leadership (President, vice-Presidents, Commission presidents). New bills and results. In view of the last phase of his mandate, and while the heads of Government and State summit draws near, the Commission issued a volume listing its initiatives and achievements. It is a “self-promoting” document, acknowledging the executive’s own commitment and praise. For example it states: “The Commission checked that EU engagements benefit its citizens whilst ensuring greater stability and prosperity in EU27”. “It responded with determination to the economic and financial crisis. It implemented an integrated strategy for the fight against climate changes”. Among the objective data listed in the document it is stated that since the beginning of 2005 the European Parliament and the Council endorsed 470 proposals from the Commissioner College in co-decision procedure, thus extending the sphere of Community legislation. Explicit self-candidature. José Manuel Barroso, illustrating the “balance” of his work declared, “This Commission, the first of a EU enlarged to 27 States has been confronting one of the most demanding periods ever experienced by the EU, marked by profound economic and social changes. The report on our work shows that we have remained firmly bound to those very values and objectives that enabled the EU to achieve such positive results. We will deliver an important contribution to the future development of the European project.” In reality, a short time after this declaration Barroso expressed the hope that his post will be reconfirmed “in order to continue the work already begun”. Barroso added, “I am proud of the way in which we reacted to the economic and financial crisis, of our ambitious program for the fight against climate changes and the creation of a true European energy policy. We are taking the lead to ensure that globalization is based on European values, working for the promotion of European interests at world level”.“Hanging items”. The document also states that thanks to the Commission, “fundamental regulations” were adopted that are expected to place the single market “to the citizens’ service” “namely by stepping up passengers’ rights, reducing mobile phone rates or facilitating cross-border duties”. These achievements are due to Barroso’s commitment. “At the same time, the Commission simplified EU legislative procedures, proposing the elimination of 10% of superfluous legislation and cutting administrative expense” on the part of enterprises. Furthermore, the Executive promoted initiatives to boost employment, research, and for the pacification of a number of “hot areas” in the world, from the Middle East to Georgia. Finally, Barroso’s agenda includes a list of “hanging items”, notably financial market reform, the enforcement of the Lisbon Treaty, and the promotion of “the concrete results”, in order to bring Europe closer to EU citizens.