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BackIn only a few weeks, Croatia will become the 28th Member State of the European Union. The preparations for the admission of the new EU Member have already been in full swing for quite some time. This week, for example, the designated Croatian EU Commissioner Neven Mimica was heard before the European Parliament. He shall take over the Consumer Protection sector. In spite of his refreshing demands for increasing quality of life and strengthening consumer protection, he will probably not have enough time to make a real impact, as the new Commission will already be appointed in autumn of next year.
Neven Mimica emphasised how important consumers in the European Union would be for the economy. The volume of consumer spending would account for 56 percent of the gross domestic product. Markets had to work for the consumer and not vice versa. Consumer businesses had to be safe and it should be possible for everybody to buy at reasonable prices. He appealed to solidarity to enable the realisation of a strong consumer policy. Even though his mandate would only cover a short term, he was optimistic that he could bring about some changes.
In concrete terms, Mimica addressed product safety as well as the right of EU citizens to their own bank account. Concerning product safety, the designated Commissioner pointed towards the necessity to cooperate with international partners, as only then could the safety of products be guaranteed. Referring to bank transactions, he demanded more transparency.
In reply to the question of MEP Evelyn Gebhardt, whether he would like to push forward the issue of class actions, he commented that this subject had long been discussed by Commission. It was important that the Internal Market would work well for the consumer and class action was an important instrument to make this happen. He ensured MEPs that a relevant Commission proposal would soon be available. Mimica also describes his position on market supervision as well as medical products, for which he will also be responsible. He would use all his energy to achieve results, which would benefit consumers, concluded the Commissioner candidate his statement. Voting on the new Croatian EU Commissioner in the plenum of the European Parliaments has been scheduled for 12 June.
Croatia from 1 July with seat and vote in European Committees
Mimica is close to the Social Democrats; he would be the 7th Social Democrat in the College of the Commission. The remaining 21 of the 28 Commissioners (resp. 75 % of the College) belong to the European People’s Party and the European Liberals.
Apart from that, on 1 July, 12 Croatian MEPs will take their seat in the European Parliament. Six of them belong to the Social Democrat faction and five to the European People’s Party. The political affiliation of a further representative is not yet clear. As of 1 July, Croatia will also have a seat and vote in the Council.
Which country will be the next Member of the European Union has not yet been determined. Negotiations with Iceland are furthest advanced, whereby Iceland has not yet decided whether she wants to accede. Other candidates would be Turkey, Montenegro, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia as well as Serbia. The end of the negotiations is still a long way off in case of all four states.
In concrete terms, Mimica addressed product safety as well as the right of EU citizens to their own bank account. Concerning product safety, the designated Commissioner pointed towards the necessity to cooperate with international partners, as only then could the safety of products be guaranteed. Referring to bank transactions, he demanded more transparency.
In reply to the question of MEP Evelyn Gebhardt, whether he would like to push forward the issue of class actions, he commented that this subject had long been discussed by Commission. It was important that the Internal Market would work well for the consumer and class action was an important instrument to make this happen. He ensured MEPs that a relevant Commission proposal would soon be available. Mimica also describes his position on market supervision as well as medical products, for which he will also be responsible. He would use all his energy to achieve results, which would benefit consumers, concluded the Commissioner candidate his statement. Voting on the new Croatian EU Commissioner in the plenum of the European Parliaments has been scheduled for 12 June.
Croatia from 1 July with seat and vote in European Committees
Mimica is close to the Social Democrats; he would be the 7th Social Democrat in the College of the Commission. The remaining 21 of the 28 Commissioners (resp. 75 % of the College) belong to the European People’s Party and the European Liberals.
Apart from that, on 1 July, 12 Croatian MEPs will take their seat in the European Parliament. Six of them belong to the Social Democrat faction and five to the European People’s Party. The political affiliation of a further representative is not yet clear. As of 1 July, Croatia will also have a seat and vote in the Council.
Which country will be the next Member of the European Union has not yet been determined. Negotiations with Iceland are furthest advanced, whereby Iceland has not yet decided whether she wants to accede. Other candidates would be Turkey, Montenegro, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia as well as Serbia. The end of the negotiations is still a long way off in case of all four states.