In her introductory statement, Ms Šuica stressed the significance of the Mediterranean region for Europe. She pointed to the growing influence of Russia and China, the need to work on a trans-Mediterranean cooperation initiative to boost Europe’s energy security, the importance of protecting the environment as well as the need to manage migration. The region stands at a critical crossroads for peace and security and the EU must make clear that it is its first partner of choice when it comes to resolving democratic pressures, the challenges of climate change, and economic issues, she said, adding that one of her priorities would be a new Pact for the Mediterranean that would be a “partnerships of equals”.
On the Middle East, Ms Šuica declared that a new Middle East strategy is necessary, one which will support a two state solution, support the Palestinian authority with its reforms and help to bring peace to Lebanon. Ms Šuica also stressed that she is committed to cooperating more closely with the Gulf countries and to working on strategic partnerships with each of the six countries.
Strategic partnerships, Palestine, migration deals
MEPs questioned the Commissioner-designate on how she plans to make the EU a stronger actor in the Middle East and the Southern Neighbourhood, which initiatives she plans to launch and whether she will pursue more strategic partnership agreements similar to those the EU has already struck with Egypt and Tunisia. She responded that she would immediately lead the preparation for a new Pact for the Mediterranean, including deals with countries similar to those with Tunisia and Egypt and increasing trade and business ties with these countries. Ms Suica said that Europe is currently a big payer but not a big player in the region and that “we want to change that”. She also emphasised that negotiations for an EU strategic partnership agreement with Jordan are already under way, while she expressed hope to conclude one with Morocco as well.
Members also asked the Commissioner-designate how she intends to handle the sensitive issue of UNRWA, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, given the recent decision by Israel to ban the UN agency. Ms Šuica answered that, if confirmed, she would continue to finance both the Palestinian Authority and UNRWA. She also made clear that the EU will continue to empower and support the Palestinian Authority as the main Palestinian interlocutor for the future state building process.
Other issues raised by MEPs included how Ms Šuica intends to combat illegal migration, carry out involuntary returns and deal with illegal provocations and breaches of international law by Türkiye in the Eastern Mediterranean. Responding to a question on how she plans to enforce human rights clauses in migration deals with third countries, Ms Šuica said that she is committed to human rights and the rule of law, stressing that “all our agreements include protection of human rights” and that “there are clauses and mechanisms for how we monitor this.”
Next steps
The chair and political group coordinators will meet without delay to assess the performance and qualification of the Commissioner-designate.Based on the committee recommendations, the Conference of Presidents (EP President Metsola and political group chairs) is set to conduct the final evaluation and declare the hearings closed on 21 November. Once the Conference of Presidents declares all hearings closed, the evaluation letters will be published.
The election by MEPs of the full college of Commissioners (by a majority of the votes cast, by roll-call) is currently scheduled to take place during the 25-28 November plenary session in Strasbourg.
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