by Kate Holman in Brussels
Incumbent European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso was re-elected for a second five-year term by the European Parliament this week.
But many centre-left MEPs carried out their threat to abstain, leaving Barroso with 382 votes – only 13 votes ahead of the absolute majority he would need under the Lisbon Treaty. This means questions could still be raised about the President’s real authority if, as predicted, Irish voters say yes and pave the way for Lisbon to come into force.
Ahead of the secret vote, the 13 British Labour members agreed unanimously to abstain – the line adopted by the Socialists and Democrats Group in the EP, although not implemented by all 184 members. There were 117 abstentions. The socialists were angered by Barroso’s failure to agree to their demands for stronger European social legislation, and in particular, changes to the controversial Posted Workers Directive governing wages and conditions for workers moving between EU countries.
In an impassioned bid to gain MEPs’ support in the European Parliament in Strasbourg on Tuesday, Barroso committed himself to a “much stronger focus on the social dimension in Europe,” pledging to introduce a Regulation to remedy the erosion of workers’ rights arising from European Court of Judgement rulings in the Swedish Laval case, among others. “Let me be clear: I am committed to fighting social dumping in Europe, whatever form it takes.” He promised to carry out social impact assessments on all future proposals, starting with revision of the controversial Working Time Directive, and to draw up a Women’s Charter to tackle the gender pay gap.
But many on the left remained unconvinced. Labour group leader Glenis Willmott accused Barroso of breaking his promises. “We are abstaining in order to get the things we want. Our priorities are tackling unemployment, guaranteeing the same pay for the same work in the same place, and ensuring collective agreements are honoured,” she explained.
Willmott conceded that Barroso, the sole candidate for the job, who had already secured the support of EU leaders, has given higher priority to social issues in the wake of the economic crisis. “He has moved, but we want to see if he is going to deliver,” she told Tribune. “We want to be sure we are shaping the agenda for the next five years.” This includes the appointment of the new team of Commissioners, due to take place before the end of 2009. The socialists are pressing hard to secure some of the more important portfolios, as well as at least one of the new ‘top jobs’ that will be available once the Lisbon treaty comes into force.
