Brussels 11 September: The European Movement International welcomes the announcement made yesterday by Jean-Claude Juncker on the portfolios of the incoming EU Commissioners. Now that a new college of Commissioners has been selected, the EMI hopes that, following a final vote still to be taken by MEPs in the coming weeks, this will signal a “fresh start”, and a chance to lead Europe out of the current economic and social crisis.The re-organisation of the European Commission around seven Vice Presidents responsible for the EU’s political priorities could make European politics more visible and the work of the Commission more efficient. The Commission as a whole, as well as each individual Commissioner, must now endeavour to respect and defend the EU’s fundamental values, such as democracy and the rule of law, in order to deliver on this potential.It is essential that the EU becomes more economically competitive and a more active actor in foreign affairs and security over the next five years. Recent events in the European neighbourhood have shown that the EU can’t stand by whilst crises on its periphery create a belt of uncertainty. While the EU’s relationship with Russia is on top of the agenda, the threat of religious fundamentalism and terrorism in the Islamic world similarly demands a common European answer.

The European Movement is already laying the groundwork in its work with civil society representatives throughout Europe and looks forward to future cooperation at all levels.

Jo Leinen, President of the European Movement International (EMI), said: “With the restructuring of the European Commission around seven coordinating Vice Presidents, the EU will for the first time have something that can be called a European government. This government must play a pro-active role to overcome the economic difficulties and to represent the Union in external affairs as a visible and strong actor.”

1. The European Movement International (EMI) is one of the largest pan and pro-European civil society organisations with currently more than 70 Member Organisations, bringing together representatives from European associations, political parties, enterprises and trade unions. www.europeanmovement.eu

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