The European People's Party's candidate for the European Parliament's presidency, Antonio Tajani would represent the opinion of the plenary's majority when making statements about member states. The Italian MEP explained us his views on migration and inter-institutional affairs as well.
Gianni Pittella said that S&D should keep the EP presidency, because otherwise EPP would head all the institutions, thus changing the status quo. What do you expect from the election?
The S&D and the EPP have a clear power-sharing agreement and one of the pillars of this agreement regards the Presidency of the European Parliament, the only European institution elected by European citizens. Even though the EPP group is the most numerous parliamentary group, we supported the candidacy of Martin Schulz as President for the first part of the term and now the S&D ought to back the EPP candidate for the same position because at the end of the day, the votes of our European citizens must be respected. Pacta sunt servanda: this is what I learnt from my mother, a Latin and Greek teacher. Agreements must be observed.
What would you change in inter-institutional affairs?
I was elected to the European Parliament for the first time in 1994 and have been working for European citizens for the 23 years that have followed. From 2008 to 2014, I was Vice-President of the Commission, Commissioner for Transport and later for Industry and Entrepreneurship. Now I am back to the Parliament as First Vice-President. I have come to know the European institutions from the inside and I want to ensure that the priorities of the Parliament, the only institution with a direct mandate from the people, are well reflected in the decision-making processes of the Commission and the Council. To this end, the Parliament will be more active in scrutinizing the work of the Commission. At the same time, the Parliament will act as a facilitator, as an inter-institutional mediator, to make things happen. European citizens expect us to deliver and we have no excuses and no more time to lose.
Regarding relations towards the Member States, would you act differently from Martin Schulz?
President Schulz has done a very good job in highlighting the prominence of the European Parliament at the international level. This work will be carried on. Regarding the relations with Member States, I want to make sure that the statements and position of the President reflect the majority of the Plenary. For this reason, Members, Groups and committees will be duly consulted before expressing the stance of the Parliament regarding one or several Member States. I respect national visions, but my goal has always been to unify, never to divide. I will do this with a view to the real interests of European citizens who are the source and inspiration of our privilege to serve. The authority and strength of the Parliament depend on free elections and democracy. Never forget it.
What is your position on those debates, when one particular Member State is the topic - for example Hungary or Poland -, usually not only once?
The sovereignty of every Member State should be fully respected as well as the political decisions of national governments. Bearing this in mind, the European Parliament should stand firmly in the defense of its principles such as the rule of law, freedom, democracy and territorial integrity, which are the key to deeper and wider European integration.
Among other things, Brexit is one of the reasons why we have an ongoing debate about federalism vs sovereignty. Which way should the EU take?
Europe must be strong if we want to be successful in facing the many challenges of today’s world: terrorism, global economy, migration, war. I believe deeply in Europe and in European integration. It is the best way to go forward with confidence about the future of our young generations. Therefore, I believe Brexit was a mistaken choice, even for British citizens. In any case, we respect the result of every democratic election or referendum, and the Parliament has an excellent representative in the negotiations.
Those who criticize centralized decision making, often accuse the EU of being unable to handle the migration crisis. Do you think this is the case?
If there is solidarity amongst all Member States, we can cope with this situation. Migration is an epic process that nobody can stop. Refugees from wars and dictatorships must be helped and hosted. Amongst the refugees there are members of some religious minorities that are persecuted, raped and killed, including Christians or Yazidis. The economic migrants, especially from Africa, are a different case. We can afford the migration crisis only if we enact a strategic plan in favor of the most fragile African peoples and States. Immigration policy is still a core sovereignty of single national governments, and where the EU has limited powers. I think this is one of the reasons why, to date, the EU has not been able to tackle this issue in an entirely successful manner. Greater EU engagement in the issue of migration is supported by 74% of EU citizens. The phenomenon of mass migration will continue into the future and so clearly we need to come up with a comprehensive and coordinated EU migration policy.
