Borg 'impresses' MEPs

Maltese designate European Commissioner Joe Borg yesterday gave what was described as an impressive showing before the European Parliament Fisheries Committee, replying in detail to all the questions asked by 40 MEPs during his hearing.

The President of the committee, Frenchman Philippe Morillion, said Dr Borg "impressed us and showed that he is very well prepared".

Speaking to The Times afterwards, Dr Borg, who will head the fisheries and maritime affairs portfolio from next month, said he was very satisfied with the way the hearing was conducted and with the positive attitude adopted by the MEPs present. It clearly showed that "the MEPs weren't here to crucify me but to get detailed answers to very technical questions".

Accompanied by his closest aides, Dr Borg arrived at the parliament building for the late afternoon session visibly excited. He was greeted by a small group of Maltese well-wishers working in various departments of the Parliament.

The hearings are considered very challenging for the future commissioners, who are grilled on their knowledge of the subjects falling in their respective portfolios. Dr Borg gave a confident performance.

He made his opening remarks in Maltese, saying his aim was to ensure the long-term future of European fisheries. He disclosed six priorities: the need for stakeholders to be involved in the implications of the new Common Fisheries Policy; to implement long-term and sustainable fisheries management; to use the available structural policy as a tool for strengthening and diversifying the economy of coastal communities; to have a level playing field for fishermen while having a more competitive sector, and to ensure a sustainable growth of responsible fish and shellfish farming.

With regards to maritime affairs, Dr Borg stressed that his responsibility in this sector would be limited to the preparation of a green paper on the future maritime policy of the EU. Elaborating further during question time, Dr Borg said he would not be responsible for issues of maritime transport, safety or the environment, which would be dealt with by the respective commissioners. However, he would be coordinating the task force formulating a new maritime policy. There would be discussion on the composition of this task force with Commission President José Manuel Barroso but his intention was to include other Commissioners.

The range of questions from the MEPs ranged widely, from the price of diesel for fishermen to the limitation of cod fishing in Swedish waters. Dr Borg answered in great detail, and was commended on his replies by many of the MEPs.

He revealed his intention to travel to fishing zones across the EU in the first year of his mandate in order to learn about the problems faced by various fishing communities.

This prompted various MEPs to invite him to visit their constituency's fishing community at his earliest. He promised to keep direct and close contact with the European Parliament and invited MEPs to approach his office whenever needed.

Maltese MEPs Simon Busuttil, Louis Grech, David Casa and Joe Muscat followed the session. Mr Casa pointed to the spirit of consensus and dialogue with which Dr Borg spearheaded the membership negotiations between Malta and the EU and hoped he would retain the same style.

The European Parliament will be passing its final judgment on the Barroso Commission later on this month during a plenary session in Strasbourg. If approved, the Commission will start its new five-year term on November 1.