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Former Health Commissioner Androulla Vassiliou has been given the portfolio for Education, Culture, Multilingualism and Youth in Jose Manuel Barroso’s new executive team, an office that will probably have the greatest importance over the next five years.
Some critics were quick to grumble that this is a ‘secondary’ Commission posting, not realising the significant role played by this office as the Union now embraces 500 mln people from 27 different nations, cultures and languages, and prepares to take in Iceland and Balkan candidates.
This is probably the biggest Commission office as regards output and administration, as it encompasses three Directorates General and five other centres entrusted with translations and vocation training, as well as the European Institute of Technology. Reconfiguring the European Cabinet responsibilities also sees Vassiliou’s office undertaking two new departments from DG Information Society and parts of the Marie Curie programme from DG Research.
This is quite a plate full, but judging from Mrs Vassiliou’s administrative skills and previous capabilities in the private sector in Cyprus, she is probably the best person for this job.
The grumbling crew will always be there, not realising that issues such as vice presidencies are shared among the larger member states or among those with whom Barroso believes he can get his agenda through. Even the Brits, part-content with getting the portfolio for Foreign High Representative and miffed that Tony Blair did not get the top job, started grumbling about the need for transparent and democratic processes. Almost the same as whenever Britain loses out in the Eurovision song contest and gets annoyed when countries vote for their neighbours.
Commission President Barroso said that his new mandate will aim to revive the EU economy and maintain influence on the world stage after the economic crisis, which is why he wants to maintain his loyal lieutenants in crucial offices and keep Berlin, London and Paris from meddling in his affairs. This is probably why France claims victory by taking the Internal Market dossier for Michel Barnier, a vital post that will include oversight of the EU’s financial sector and, some fear, even regulation of the City of London.
There is nothing wrong in the fact that Commissioners represent the interests of their countries, particularly when as members of the new Commission they have to work collectively and on an equal footing.
The experiences the Cypriot Commissioner will gain will have a direct benefit and impact on home as Cyprus, too, should give top priority to issues of youth, education, culture and diversity.
