Today, 10th September the New European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker presented in a press conference his "winning team" for the next five years.
His proposal consist ina real reform, both in terms of the calibre of Commissioners proposed – the team presented by Juncker has 5 former Prime Ministers, 4 Deputy Prime Ministers, 19 Ministers, 7 Commissioners operating in the Barroso Commission and 8 Members of the European Parliament – and for the Organisation of the Commission itself.For the first time, in fact, the six Vice-Presidents plus the High Representative for the Common foreign and security policy of the Union will head the Commission and will coordinate the work of several Commissioners in compositions that will vary depending on the needs and in line with the development of new projects over time.
The division into "project teams" mirrors the guidelines contained in the political programme of Juncker (link): A new boost to employment, growth and investment; A digital single market; A strong Energy Union with a climate change policy that looks to the future; A deeper and clearer Economic and Monetary Union; Better regulation, inter-institutional relations, rule of law and the Charter of fundamental rights; Budget and human resources. In this way, according to Juncker, interactions between the members of the College will be encouraged, thus counteracting static structures.As for the real economy, for the first time a special portfolio has been created, which will be headed by PolishElzbieta Bienkowska, called "Internal market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs".In order for the proposed College to assume their duties, the European Parliament will have to give its go-ahead. The problem concerning the number of women present in the Juncker formation seems to be overcome, but some rumours suggest that some Commissioners do not meet the MEP preferences.Each Commissioner will have the opportunity to discuss its political programme and to answer the questions from MEPs in a hearing that will be held in all Parliamentary Committees.As a result of the hearings, the European Parliament will be called to vote in favour or against the whole proposed team.
For more information, please consult the link to the press release, the MEMO and of EC website, where some graphics are available.