Four years of the Juncker Commission: a dubious report

“On his accession, Jean-Claude Juncker promised a more effective European Union that would listen to its citizens better. That is far from the case.” MEP Anneleen Van Bossuyt is drawing up the balance of four years of the Juncker Commission following Jean-Claude Juncker’s latest State of the Union. Verdict: dubious. “The Juncker Commission has failed on a variety of points. Europe is spending more taxpayers’ money than ever, the image of a lot of politics behind closed doors has been reinforced and in crucial areas like migration, comprehensive measures have still not been worked out.”

Expensive follies

Juncker wanted Europe not to spend more money than it has. “But in the meantime, budgets are being increased, even at a time when one of the largest net contributors will soon be leaving the Union. The Commission tried to win hearts and souls with expensive follies. Hundreds of millions of taxpayers’ money went towards free train tickets, free Wi-Fi and free museums. Europe could have used that money to take steps on limiting migration, on assuring our security and on creating a job-friendly climate. Issues that actually do keep citizens awake at night,” says Anneleen Van Bossuyt.

Politics behind closed doors

The European Commission is much too political and likes to indulge in politics behind closed doors. “This Commission is one marked by double standards. It posed entirely justifiable questions about the rule of law in Poland and Hungary, but stubbornly looked the other way when it came to the violations of our democratic values in Spain. The appointment saga concerning his right hand Selmayr is a clear black mark on Juncker’s time in office and has further undermined the credibility of the Commission,” explains MEP Anneleen Van Bossuyt.

Real priorities

Anneleen Van Bossuyt hopes that in his final policy year, Juncker will devote himself to the real priorities: tackling migration, security and jobs. “It is an encouraging sign that Juncker today announced additional resources for Frontex - and therefore a better strengthening of our outside borders -, Erasmus+ and research. We also support his focus on European cooperation in terms of climate and defence. Multilateralism, not unilateralism. But we resist proposals such as a qualified majority in the field of tax and transnational electoral lists. There is also no support for new European taxes. Furthermore, Juncker is opening the door to new EU member states. Instead of thinking about expansion, Europe has to ensure a good Brexit deal, in the interest not only of Flanders but also of the United Kingdom itself,” Anneleen Van Bossuyt concludes.