The fan of all European ones issues, from the European elections, the rise of the far right and immigration concerns to the two wars in Ukraine and Middle Eastrelations with Turkey and Beleri case they opened Jose Manuel Barroso and Margaritis Schinasin its context 9th Delphi Economic Forum which takes place April 10-13 and is under the auspices of A.E. of the President of the Republic Katerina Sakellaropoulou.
For the European elections
On the occasion of the rise of the extreme right as shown by opinion polls, the vice-president of the European Commission for the Promotion of the European Way of Life, Margaritis Schinas, estimated that after the European elections we will have a European Parliament that will resemble a kaleidoscope, a little more complex in terms of reaching consensus . Among the priorities of the Europeans, he included their need to feel protected in matters of health, competitive economy, inflation and borders, as, as he said, the national level is not enough.
For his part, the former president of the Commission estimated that the two main parties will remain at the top. “We will have the intelligence to navigate these difficult waters,” Mr Barroso said. “Let’s listen to the people”, was his advice, however, as he noted that Brussels and Strasbourg sometimes do not listen, as a result of which the right things are done, but far from the citizens.
For immigration
Margaritis Schinas made special reference to the agreement reached on immigration, pointing out that for the first time the E.U. has an immigration policy. He broke down the deal’s three layers, which he said include partnerships with 25 countries of origin to better control their immigration flows, federal border control and uniform procedures, and solidarity.
“If we have the rise of the extreme right, it is because there is no credibility in border protection. Our doors should be open, but not wide,” noted Mr. Barroso.
For Ukraine
Regarding the possibility of Ukraine joining the EU, Mr. Barroso called on the world not to have high expectations. “It is not possible for a country in the midst of war to become a full member,” he said, pointing out that special membership also exists. In fact, he made a comparison with the case of Cyprus, stressing that there the situation has been frozen for decades.
Asked to comment on Macron’s statements about the possibility of sending troops to Ukraine, he said he does not see it happening in the near future, stressing that “there is a clear red line from the European countries and the US. A direct conflict with Russia must be avoided.” He pointed out the need to avoid a direct war between NATO and Russia because nuclear forces are involved, while he estimated that the Russians may have an interest in prolonging the war.
At the same time, Mr. Schinas identified the possible accession of Ukraine to the EU. around 2032 to 2035. “We need Ukraine, because it is a big country with many resources, the largest production in the agricultural sector, it will be a good partner,” he clarified. However, he pointed out that NATO membership will not be immediately available for Kiev.
As the vice-president of the Commission said, Ukraine is financed with two billion euros per month from Europe. “Ukraine continues to fight because Europe continues to pay. We have spent taxpayers’ money to buy weapons for a third country,” he stressed, noting that we need to start distinguishing between the Russian people and the clique around Putin.
For the American election
Mr. Barroso mentioned Europe’s concern over a potential victory of Donald Trump in the US elections, saying that only one or two European countries, namely Hungary and Slovakia, would like the former president to win. “We need a stronger Europe in defense, not just because of Trump,” he concluded.
The need for Europe to create an autonomy strategy to stand on its own two feet in the field of energy, technology, etc. expressed Margaritis Schinas, pointing out that the possibility of Trump’s victory can speed up the process.
For Turkey
Mr. Barroso described Turkey as a complex country, with which Europe has an interest in maintaining dialogue, saying how incredible it is that a NATO country buys weapons from Russia and lends a hand of friendship to Hamas. “Turkey is an important country. There are also difficulties, but we must not give up,” he said, acknowledging the concerns that Greece has for the neighboring country.
For the Beleri case
Margaritis Schinas spoke about the effort he is making so that his European colleagues see that the Beleri case is not a judicial matter, noting that Albania’s behavior does not help its ambition to become a member of the EU. He estimated that Kyriakos Mitsotakis has exhausted the last ounce of goodwill to find a solution.
For the resolution of the European Parliament on the rule of law
Margaritis Schinas referred to the work of the European Parliament, which is largely based on negotiations between groups, pointing out that the Commission has a structured process for evaluating the state of the rule of law in the member states.
The discussion was moderated by “Kathimerini” journalist Xenia Kounalaki.
2024-04-12 10:42:32