President Jean Claude Juncker’s confirmation was a forgone conclusion. The work had been before and support for his candidacy established. Established because of an alliance with the Socialist Governments and the Socialist Group in the European Parliament that saw their Commission President candidate reclaim his seat at the head of EU’s legislative body.

 

But this alliance should not be limited the institutions’ leadership. It is an alliance of center right and left that must come closer to the center because of a political reality in Parliament where the alternative could see populist extremists having their way. This would have very serious consequences for the European Union.  Serious consequences because many of the views expressed by these politicians are incompatible with some of the most important achievements of the EU, such as freedom of movement, the internal market and the Eurozone.

In the EP the left and right are long-time opponents that have somewhat infrequently seen eye to eye. In the previous legislature, these political groups very often took remarkably different stands, with the liberals in the middle tipping the balance one way or the other. Parliament’s current composition requires these political groups to do away with lingering mutual suspicion and work together.

Together with President Juncker’s election, this week also provided the first opportunity to test the feasibility of deeper unity at the center with the Resolution on Youth Employment that was adopted by parliament on Thursday. Negotiations were long and difficult until the end, with hesitation on both sides during negotiations, as long time opponents had to learn to trust each other.

The result speaks for itself – it is a balanced text that is realistic and pragmatic emphasizing the importance of increasing competitiveness in the mid to long term. But at the same time it preserves the European Social Model. There are points were the latter endeavor goes further than I would have liked – but this is compromise. The test was a success and I am hopeful that we will be able to continue down this path.

My honest opinion on this issue is that when economic realities leave employers with no option but to fire employees, and when it is believed that growth prospects are limited so employees take less risk by enforcing hiring freezes, quick fix measures can only be part of the solution. Without growth – not just because of spending – but sustainable real growth through an increase in productivity and efficiency, quick fixes are simply band aids that will fall to expose gaping wounds soon enough. We have to remember that it is not MEPs, or Governments that create jobs it is business. The best thing that we as legislators can do is to create a regulatory framework and provide incentives that increase the possibility of businesses succeeding.

The above should not be interpreted as a criticism of the Youth Guarantee or the YEI. The situation is such a disaster in many member states that very direct, very concrete action is warranted and justified.

The European Commission will face significant challenges in the next 5 years and I believe we can be optimistic because it has Jean-Claude Juncker at its helm. Indeed President Juncker’selection is good news for the European Union and it is good news for Malta. Having served as Prime Minister of Luxembourg for many years he understands the struggles that smaller member states are confronted with. And he has assured us during the election campaign that he is aware of very specific difficulties that Malta faces, migration is one particular example, and that he is prepared to take action.

I strongly welcome his election to European Commission President. He will find strong support and constructive criticism from myself and my colleagues in the European Parliament in the years to come.

David Casa is the PN’s head of delegation at the European Parliament