EU Parliament hearing – Brunner on the hot seat: “I am not a showman”

He was warned several times by the chairman to stick to speaking time. The hearing in Brussels was a procedure that every candidate for a post of commissioner had to go through. Tuesday evening it was the turn of the outgoing Minister of Finance Brunner (ÖVP). Within two minutes, the designated EU Commissioner for Migration had to answer complex questions about asylum centers in third countries, return, Europol and hatred of Christians by Muslims. Brunner regularly exceeded the two-minute time limit.

Vague answers
Brunner’s future portfolio as EU Commissioner for Migration is broad and, above all, sensitive: fundamental rights must be protected in all future measures. The MPs repeatedly asked questions, with Brunner often giving vague answers. Because the majority of EU parliamentarians see themselves as guardians of fundamental rights, the politician tried to describe explosive projects such as asylum centers in third countries with terms such as ‘new ideas’.

You can listen to the hearing here.

“Don’t travel at all”
A Spanish MP specifically wanted to know: “Are you now in favor of asylum centers in third countries where human rights are being violated?” Brunner emphasized that a “fair but decisive migration policy” is needed. “But no one in Europe understands that people who do not have the right of residence cannot be repatriated.” Therefore, he is ‘open’ to ‘new ideas’ and will ‘discuss such concepts’.

He also wants to ensure that “people don’t even make these dangerous journeys.” It is important to create legal routes for migrant workers to the EU. These would be needed there too. The EU’s Asylum and Migration Pact must be implemented quickly.

Brunner also renewed his pledge for “rapid accession to Schengen for Romania and Bulgaria”. The states have had a good dialogue in recent weeks and months. A lot has happened here.

“Learn fast”
At first Brunner seemed very relaxed. In neat business English (he studied at King’s College in London), the EU Commissioner-designate made a fifteen-minute statement. He emphasized that he is not a “showman”, but a fast learner.

An EU commission will decide whether Brunner succeeds or fails. In any case, his chances of appointment should not be entirely bad, as he is not counted among the shaky candidates in Brussels.