In the context of political decision-making within the European Parliament, the allocation of strategic positions within the Industry and Environment committees is of paramount importance. These influential bodies shape European policies in key areas such as ecology, energy, and industry. Let us together explore the stakes and selection criteria that govern the appointment of members of these committees, and the impact their decisions can have on the future of the European Union.
The Context of Appointments in the European Parliament
During the next five years, the European Union aims to strengthen its industry, particularly the defense sector, to regain a leading position on the international stage. This ambitious plan relies on a meticulous strategic organization of the various institutions.
Reorganization of the ITRE Committee
Competitiveness and defense are at the heart of the European Union’s priorities. Ursula von der Leyen, re-elected as head of the European Commission, has clearly indicated these priority areas. On the side of the European Parliament, MEPs are also structuring themselves to weigh heavily in the development of legislation. On July 23, they elected the chairs and vice-chairs of parliamentary committees, including the “Industry, Research and Energy” (ITRE) committee, which is now composed of 90 members, 12 more than during the previous legislature.
At the head of the ITRE committee is Polish Borys Budka, a member of the European People’s Party (EPP). Holding 188 seats, the EPP is the largest political group within the European Parliament. Among the four vice-chairs of the committee, no French candidate was selected. The positions were allocated to socialists Giorgio Gori (Italy) and Tsvetelina Penkova (Bulgaria), as well as to Elena Donazzan (Italy, European Conservatives and Reformists group) and Belgian centrist Yvan Verougstraete.
Crucial Role of Coordinators
Christophe Grudler, elected on the French presidential list, has secured the position of “coordinator” for the Renew Europe group within the ITRE committee. This key position allows for the selection of files pertaining to his political group. The EPP’s coordinator in ITRE is a German, underscoring Germany’s traditional predominance in such roles. However, France appears to be following this strategy, with several elected officials, notably Macronists, holding similar posts.
Impact of Appointments on the Environment
The future of the European industry is also determined within the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (ENVI) committee, where many texts of the “Green Deal” for Europe have been negotiated over the past five years. French MEP Pascal Canfin chaired this committee, but with the decline of the Renew Europe group in Brussels and Strasbourg, he had to step down. Nevertheless, he obtained the position of “coordinator” for Renew Europe for the ENVI committee until the mid-term.
The presidency of the Agriculture committee has been awarded to Czech Veronika Vrecionová (CRE), with French socialist Eric Sargiacomo as vice-president.
A Gender-Balanced Organization in the European Commission
All EU member states are invited to submit two candidacies – one female and one male – to become a European commissioner. Ursula von der Leyen emphasizes gender balance in the composition of the college. In Paris, President Emmanuel Macron wants Thierry Breton, responsible for the Internal Market, to keep his position in Brussels without proposing another name.
Creation of a Commissioner for Defense Position
The President of the European Commission announced the creation of a commissioner dedicated to Defense. Until now, initiatives to strengthen the defense industry in Europe have been led by the former head of Atos. This new mandate will clarify the division of responsibilities between industry and military aspects of this portfolio.
The allocation of these strategic positions and the creation of new responsibilities demonstrate the European Union’s commitment to enhancing its industrial and environmental capabilities while ensuring increased gender balance and competitiveness.
