By Henrietta Billings - 25th October 2004
José Manuel Barroso has unveiled a string of human rights proposals in a last ditch attempt to persuade MEPs to back his EU team in a crunch vote.
Speaking in Strasbourg on Tuesday, the Brussels chief rejected calls to reshuffle his team, assuring the European Parliament that “civil rights and anti-discrimination will be top priorities”.
He insisted that his “group of commissioners”, announced last week, would be responsible for fundamental rights, anti-discrimination and equal opportunities - a “political driving force…not a talking shop”.
Barroso also unveiled plans for the creation of a “European Fundamental Rights Agency”, after consultation with the parliament.
And he revealed plans to widen the scope of existing directives on anti-discrimination.
“I also intend to initiate work in view of a framework directive on the basis of Article 13 of the EC Treaty, which will replace the directives adopted in 2000 and enlarge them to all forms of discrimination," he told MEPs.
“Currently these directives have a limited scope. With a framework-directive, the community action will cover all areas of discrimination and also discrimination founded interalia on gender and sexual discrimination.”
“Lastly I intend to launch a programme and an action plan to combat discrimination with particular reference to all forms of anti-semitism, racism and xenophobia.”
Barroso pledged to kick start blocked proposals on racism and xenophobia.
“The future commission will commit itself to re-launching negotiations on a framework decision on racism and xenophobia, which has been blocked in the council for far too long," he said.
“All these initiatives…will be prepared under my authority, and I am prepared to present them to you in person, when the time comes.”
“I will personally ensure full control of our action in the fight against discrimination and the promotion of fundamental rights.”
Barroso also stood by his controversial commissioner for justice and equal opportunities, Rocco Buttiglione, rejecting calls for a reshuffle of portfolios.
Buttiglione lost the confidence of the parliament’s justice committee during a hearing for his new job.
MEPs argue his views on gays, women and the family will make it impossible for conservative Italian to fight discrimination.
“Is the reorganisation of the commission a real option at this stage? Changing political portfolios at this stage will create more institutional problems than it would solve.”
“I, for my part, would never accept anyone in my commission who defends position that are not compatible with the Charter of Fundamental Rights," Barroso promised.
“I am sure that Mr Buttiglione will fully comply with the Treaty and with the Charter and I can confirm that the rest of the Commissioners designate share my view.”
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