I have come across an interesting book written by Julian Priestley, aormer Secretary General of the European Parliament. '7 battles that shaped the European Parliament'. I read the chapter about the growing power of MEPs in the process of nomination of the European Commission.
I know that theory gets boring after a moment. But when you see the internal 'cuisine', the battle between personalities, the power of argumentation it really gets interesting. I am looking forward to the exercise this year. Let's say that Barrosso managed to scare all the rivals away. But when he will choose the fellow commissioners and attribute their portfolios, he will be under growing pressure of the EP. And the funny thing is that once you please one side of the spectrum, you make angry the other. Poor Mr Butiglione who tried to remain catholic while being questioned about human rights and non-discrimination. His failure is another sign that the new Europe is becoming more disengaged with the religion.
And I think that after the cold shower during the 2004 nomination Barroso will have to play it harder with the Member states governments. So I am waiting for the drama which will unfold soon.
I wonder what is in the heads of the newly elected MEPs. This must be a moment: you have been chosen for 5 years. You have a lot of time to realise your dreams and ambitions. You know you will spend a lot of time planes and trains. So you become a Hermes (transmission) and a little Zeus (you will decide about the future of the Union). You know that you might become marginalised in your home country. You know that the 736 will decide together how they go into history. Shall it be another Parliament known for its secret wars and meagre influence or shall they make it to the headlines and scoops. What is in the minds of the former Commissioners. Do they want to lend safely or actually they see a potential to change sth that they could not from inside?
Are they studying the CVs of fellow MEPs? Do they read biographies (like the one of Chris Patten or Giscard d'Estaing)? Do they get quick lessons of survival French? Do they check the airlines flying from Brussels to their home town? Are they rather afraid, messianistic, idealistic or cynical? What for do they want to fight. It is at the end only 60 months till the next elections. Do they prioritise? I will try to follow it as much as I can and write about what I find out.
I know that theory gets boring after a moment. But when you see the internal 'cuisine', the battle between personalities, the power of argumentation it really gets interesting. I am looking forward to the exercise this year. Let's say that Barrosso managed to scare all the rivals away. But when he will choose the fellow commissioners and attribute their portfolios, he will be under growing pressure of the EP. And the funny thing is that once you please one side of the spectrum, you make angry the other. Poor Mr Butiglione who tried to remain catholic while being questioned about human rights and non-discrimination. His failure is another sign that the new Europe is becoming more disengaged with the religion.
And I think that after the cold shower during the 2004 nomination Barroso will have to play it harder with the Member states governments. So I am waiting for the drama which will unfold soon.
I wonder what is in the heads of the newly elected MEPs. This must be a moment: you have been chosen for 5 years. You have a lot of time to realise your dreams and ambitions. You know you will spend a lot of time planes and trains. So you become a Hermes (transmission) and a little Zeus (you will decide about the future of the Union). You know that you might become marginalised in your home country. You know that the 736 will decide together how they go into history. Shall it be another Parliament known for its secret wars and meagre influence or shall they make it to the headlines and scoops. What is in the minds of the former Commissioners. Do they want to lend safely or actually they see a potential to change sth that they could not from inside?
Are they studying the CVs of fellow MEPs? Do they read biographies (like the one of Chris Patten or Giscard d'Estaing)? Do they get quick lessons of survival French? Do they check the airlines flying from Brussels to their home town? Are they rather afraid, messianistic, idealistic or cynical? What for do they want to fight. It is at the end only 60 months till the next elections. Do they prioritise? I will try to follow it as much as I can and write about what I find out.
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