Swedes’ ambitions crippled by EU political appointment delays

 By David Haworth, in Brussels

No sooner has Sweden unveiled plans for the next six months of political endeavour in the European Union, than the wheel has fallen off before the new model can even be test driven. The Swedes who assumed the EU’s rotating presidency on July 1, had predicated their efforts on a quick reappointment of Jose Manuel Barroso, 53, the genial European Commission president, for another five years’ office.

The former Portuguese premier received the unanimous “political support” of EU leaders during their recent Summit. This endorsement, you might think, would be enough to confirm the head boy in his position for another term. But no, the presidency job is in the final gift of the European Parliament – and this is where the Swedish calculations have gone wrong.

“It’s quite clear there’s no majority vote in favour of Barroso, “says Martin Schulz, leader of the Socialist group. “Furthermore, the Parliament is not a rubber stamp.” The Socialists, the Liberals and the Greens are opposing Barroso – who needs a simple majority which cannot be assured. This means a vote before the Summer holidays will be postponed until September. “This delay is not a disaster,” a Swedish official bravely insists. Maybe not, but such a delay is the last thing Stockholm wanted.

However the resulting uncertainty means the Swedish presidency won’t be able to get the clear run it hoped for to tackle Europe’s economic problems and also climate change both of which are to be Sweden’s major themes between now and Christmas. But by the autumn, Barroso’s opponents may have re-grouped strongly enough to force a further postponement in his confirmation, pushing it beyond the Irish Lisbon Treaty referendum scheduled for October 2.

By that time, a mere three months before the Presidency ends, EU business will become messy, even if Irish approval of the Treaty is assumed. Twenty-six other Commissioners, one from each country, will have to be nominated. Next the policy portfolios will need to be distributed.  But that’s not the end of the matter either. Each nominee will have to be approved after a three hour grilling by parliamentarians seeking to know whether the Commissioners are up to speed with the subjects they’ve been awarded.

Five years ago, the EP rejected two candidates. Given the EP’s present mood, it will not be surprising if it rejects at least as many hopefuls this time round which will result in further delay.In short, the gleaming Volvo of Swedish ambitions has already been hobbled by institutional problems.These could have several effects. Firstly, it’s possible though not likely, Barroso will be overtaken by another candidate for the top job. Secondly, there is going to be a long period of suspended animation during which the present Commissioners are in place but not in power; no serious work by their successors on any of the portfolios will occur until late in the year.Thirdly, selection of the so-called President of Europe and the European Foreign Affairs Minister will be postponed until after the Irish result is announced. Maybe one of those jobs might be easier for Barroso to grab instead of retaining his present post.At this point, it all becomes so madly speculative only EU-anoraks will wish to continue playing with the kaleidoscope of possibility.Only a week ago the gung-ho Swedes couldn’t wait to grab the wheel. But already the Union’s political sat-nav needs adjusting.ENDS