A LOT has been written and said about the candidate for the position of Cypriot Commissioner to the European Union. Name-dropping abounds. Political gossip is at its height. Using Cypriot criteria, many are christened as candidates for the position. This one is a good choice for Commissioner because he is a bureaucrat.
The other one is better because of his communication technique.
This one stands better chances because he is a friend of X. The other seems to be gaining ground because is it convenient for Y.
No in depth and serious thought or discussion has gone into the criteria required for the appointment of the Commissioner. If that had been the case, it ought to be emphasised at the outset, as provided in the proposed European Constitution, that upon his/her appointment a Commissioner acts purely as a representative of the European Union. He does not represent the country he comes from, even if his/her success or failure reflects upon the prestige of his country.
The European Commissioner does not need to be a bureaucrat. Each Commissioner is fully supported by a team that prepares everything for him. The Commissioner must first and foremost be a political person, with knowledge and experience in political life. He must have full knowledge of European issues, an academic education and a breadth of mind. He must speak fluently one or two of the main European languages.
The European Commissioner must have a personality, not just by Cypriot standards but also European standards. He has to be able to stand on an equal basis with the other Commissioners. He has to gain the esteem of his colleagues for his serious and responsible actions. It is imperative that the European commissioner is hard working, takes initiative, is active and has sound judgment.
The European Commissioner, no matter which country he/she comes from, has to be able to stand his ground with confidence in the European Parliament. There, he will be tested constantly for his judgment, his sayings and his actions. In the European Parliament arena there is no space for communication techniques or tricks. In the plenary sessions but also in the committees the critical eye of the MEPs will judge him continuously. There is no place for favours in the European Parliament. If a Commissioner is worth it he will make his mark. If not he will be pushed aside and mocked.
There criteria and qualifications are not theoretical. They are based on experience. If we really wish to honour the institution of the European Commissioner and to be honoured as Cyprus we cannot make a mistake. The choice must be made after proper and serious thought leaving aside other considerations and ulterior motives.
The first Cypriot Commissioner will first and foremost have to fulfill the correct criteria and to possess all political and academic qualifications, which are required by the post.
Panayiotis Demetriou is a deputy for DISY at the House of Representatives and observer to the European Parliament
