MEPs approved the new European Commission. Boss … – Gazeta.pl

The new European Commission will proceed to work on November 1.

One of the most recognizable politicians

– The European Parliament approved on Wednesday the the new European Commission, led by former Prime Minister of Luxembourg state and former chairman of the Eurogroup Jean-Claude Juncker. 59-year-old veteran is a European and a great advocate of closer integration.

Juncker is one of the most recognizable politicians in Brussels, is considered one of the faces of the European Union and one of the architects of its current shape. It combines idealism with hard sense of reality. – Europe is for me a combination of concrete actions and deep convictions – said Jean-Claude Juncker. – Deep beliefs nothing pass, if man lacks pragmatism – added a new boss.

Who is the new head

During the tenure of Prime Minister of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg in the years 1995-2013 was the longest-serving head of government in the EU and one of the longest democratically elected leaders of the world. Even collaborated with French President Francois Mitterrand and German Chancellor Helmut Kohl.

At the same time presided, first informally, then formally, the Eurogroup, or meetings of EU countries with a common currency (the years 2005-2013, which includes the worst of the crisis EU economic in its previous history). In the years 1989-2009 he was also the Minister of Finance of Luxembourg.

The greatest achievements

It is for the term of office in 2003. American company Amazon got in Luxembourg are guaranteed a very favorable taxation. The outgoing Commission at the last minute she opened proceedings in this case, because I suspected that it may be a breach of EU rules on state aid. Time will tell if it will Juncker proceedings continued, and with what result.

During the financial crisis, then the economy across the EU was at the center of decision-making. As the head of the Eurogroup was present at every important meeting from the beginning, when in 2009. Flowed debt problems of Greece, until the final decision on the establishment of a banking union in 2013. Turned out to be an efficient negotiator, mediating among others a compromise between France and Germany on the issue of monetary union.

Known for strong language

Critics pointed out, however, that his leadership during the session was sometimes erratic, and the consequences of decisions taken were missing. He was known also with the sharp tongue. His blunt issue the member states, pointing out the selfishness and hypocrisy in matters of financial discipline, were eagerly seized upon by journalists. At the same time no one so deftly and wittily as he could not avoid the answers to probing questions from the press.

Suspected of pay protectionism

The desire to apply for the post of head of the European Commission on behalf of the European People’s Party Juncker declared at the end of last year. A few months earlier, after 18 years of governance in Luxembourg, had to say goodbye to the seat of Prime Minister. This followed a scandal involving the arbitrary Luxembourg intelligence services, including the illegal wiretapping of politicians, purchases of cars for private use, and suspicion of pay protectionism.

Juncker loaded with political responsibility for the scandal in July 2013. Handed in to resign. As a result, in October 2013. Early elections, his party maintained its leadership position, received nearly 34 percent. of the vote and 23 seats in the 60-seat parliament. But it has failed to get the majority needed to form a government and after a nearly 30-year domination of the political scene. Luxembourg was in opposition.

Won the French

Former Prime Minister of Luxembourg was not to be deterred conducted against him the game. In March, the EPP Congress in Dublin officially became its candidate for President of the Commission, winning the French Commissioner. Internal market Michel Barnier. At the end of June, EU leaders nominated at the summit in Brussels, Juncker as the new head of the European Commission.

Some are of the opinion that, in fact, would prefer to hold calmer and less exposed, and as prestigious as head of the European Council, of which competed unsuccessfully in 2009., if selected for this position Belgian Herman Van Rompuy, and that December 1 will include Donald Tusk.

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MEPs approved the new European Commission. Boss … – Gazeta.pl