Polishing European Politics

After last June European elections, the new European Parliament has already chosen his President. It will be Mr. Jerzy Buzek, former Polish Prime Minister and europarliamentary for the conservatives, the one in charge for the first two and a half years. Then, a socialdemocrat candidate will take the seat, as it was (but in reverse) during the last legislature.

Buzek is a symbol of the new Europe. He is the first President of the European Parliament who comes from a former Soviet-ally country. However, besides the challenges, changes end there. In the rest of the seats, there are few new faces.

Half of the total of 736 seats will repeat their occupant, and the European Commission will, presumably, be hosted again by Durao Barroso. The only major change is the turn to the right in the general map of the Parliament.

Those unchanged faces, anyway, will have to face many challenges. Yesterday we knew that two thirds of European habitats and species are under risk or their conservation state is undetermined. Add that to the considerable over schedule from various members in accomplish the yearly minimums for carbon emissions. A lot of work to do yet to fight climate change.

Another important issue is the energy. Yesterday too a new deal was signed between the EU and Turkey to create Nabucco a pipeline to diversify the supply of gas. This way, Europe will reduce its dependence on Russian gas and last winter problems will be easily avoided. Of course, just if the EU finds some gas to fill in the pipelines. Options are Georgian or Iraqi gas (instable countries), Iranian gas (not a friendly country) or other ex-Soviet republics’ gas (again the problem of Russia).

And all this without losing from sight the financial crisis.

Although, maybe, if in October 2 Ireland votes again against Lisbon, maybe, any of it won’t matter anymore.



Photo: European Parliament


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