Anhörung im Europäischen Parlament mit dem designierten Kommissar Günter Verheugen[en] 

Günter Verheugen, current Enlargement Commissioner and the Commissioner Designate for enterprise and industry, called for a “strategic change of direction” to make Europe “the world’s leading economy.” He said that the main objective of the incoming Commission was to strengthen and consolidate the economic base, through competitiveness, cohesion and enhancing the quality of life for Europe’s citizens. For this to happen the Lisbon Agenda needed to be reinvigorated and become the main endeavour, as it has not yet had a real impact on the society.

He reminded MEPs that the EU institutions could not do this alone; national governments needed to be much more engaged in the process. The Commissioner stressed the importance of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the European economy. The state of SMEs would be a priority under his mandate, fostering a more competitive and innovative climate,  bearing in mind their vulnerability. Finally, Mr Verheugen observed the necessity to create a much more innovative environment in the EU, as a crucial tool to raising competitiveness and attaining a more robust economy.

Competitiveness

Mr Verheugen explained that when he was chosen for his new position by Commission President Designate Barroso, he had been explicitly charged with addressing the challenge of Europe’s competitiveness agenda - perhaps the number one goal of the upcoming Commission. He underlined that every proposal from the European Commission would have to pass the competitiveness test: a proper assessment on the validity of each measure to the final achievement of higher levels of competitiveness in the Union. 

Responding to  Patrizia Toia (ALDE), he underlined the need for a closer link between industry and innovation , where EU business is particularly weak. In this sense, further investment in R&D and, especially, a strengthened link between R&D and product development will need a strong push. Responding to a question from  Jerzy Buzek (EPP), he highlighted the relevance of the Competitiveness and Innovation programme, that will be presented shortly and that will bring together different policy areas closely related to competitiveness. Mr Verheugen also stressed the importance of reinforcing the collaboration between academia and business, however, he reminded MEPs that the competences of the European Commission in this respect are rather limited.

The Lisbon Agenda

Responding to a question from  Reino Paasilinna (PES), the Commissioner observed that Lisbon is not only about regulation. It is a process that addressed European values and should develop a comprehensive view towards reform in the EU. One of the fundamental prerequisites is to have a solid and sound business sector across Europe that promotes higher productivity, keeps people motivated at work and promotes the active participation of all the stakeholders.  Gunnar Hökmark (EPP-ED) inquired about the weaknesses of the Lisbon process. Mr Verheugen responded that while much could be done by the stakeholders, external factors and their negative impact should not be forgotten. The rise in oil prices or efforts made in the fight against terrorism had an effect on the success of certain policies. Having said that, he acknowledged the existence of internal shortcomings that had to be adequately addressed, including low productivity, poor levels of innovation and the need for further use of new technologies, etc. 

Responding to  Pervenche Beres (PES) about the complexity of objectives and measures in Lisbon, the Commissioner Designate pointed out that it may be helpful to translate all current targets and instruments into concise and measurable national action plans. National governments had to play a much more active role and find a way to reach out to their citizens to help them understand the importance of this project. 

Keeping the balance

The most recurrent question by MEPs focussed on the role that both social policies and the sustainable development agenda would play achieving competitiveness. Stressing that his job is to make sure that competitiveness is taken into account, Mr. Verheugen underlined that this could only be achieved through a balanced approach between the economic, social and environmental pillars. Responding to a question from  Paul Rübig (EPP), the Commissioner agreed that improving horizontal coordination between the different DGs and Services would greatly benefit these plans and stressed that this was something that the current Commission has already largely realized. 

Reino Paasilinna (PES) and  Rebecca Harms’ (Greens/EFA) questions led the Commissioner Designate to stress that there was no contradiction between the objectives and the agendas pursued. On the contrary, introducing new, more efficient and environmentally friendly technology will lead to better products, contribute to higher standards and increase competitiveness, which is precisely what the European Commission wanted to promote. Sustainability is the overarching priority, he said, noting that there was no hierarchy between the pillars. The EU was able to strike a balance between all three. REACH was a practical example of a policy measure that had sought for an equilibrium between competitiveness, social issues and sustainable development. Nevertheless, he added, he would not shy away from making improvements where they were necessary. 

Regarding  Kyoto , Mr Verheugen reminded the audience that this was not his portfolio, but acknowledged nonetheless that there was “still plenty to do.” If the Kyoto Protocol was enforced worldwide it would be a major breakthrough for humanity, he said. The EU must comply, regardless of what others do, and must also promote the use of more market-based tools to protect the environment.

Overall assessment

Backed by his success as Commissioner of Enlargement, Mr Verheugen appeared confident in taking responsibility for a portfolio crucial to the incoming Commission. Charged with overseeing both the implementation and coordination of the Competitiveness Agenda and the simultaneous development of the Lisbon process, he will address areas in which he has had no direct experience for some time. Still, he showed a great command of the current state of affairs and responded comfortably and convincingly to a wide array of issues ranging from the Kyoto Protocol and REACH to corporate taxation and concrete measures to benefit SMEs. In addition, his stance on perhaps the most challenging questions regarding the equilibrium between the economic, social and environmental pillars in the implementation of the competitiveness agenda was well taken.

This report was prepared by  Carlos Buhigas-Schubert ,  EPC Policy Analyst.