"What kind of Europe do we want? Do we want a Europe that is first and foremost democratic, a Europe of solidarity, a Europe that respects our values?" In the run-up to the European elections, Nicolas Schmit lays out the elements of the debate: "Do we want to continue working on the social dimension of Europe? And at the same time strengthen its economic dimension? I think that's what it's all about. It's the opposite of a Europe that is turning inward, a Europe of nationalisms."
His name is circulating as a possible head of the list for the European Socialists. While he confirms that he "imagines accepting it", Nicolas Schmit says that he has not embarked on an electoral campaign and remains solid on his convictions, "regardless of any campaign".
Work
A number of important directives have been adopted during the Commissioner's tenure. But a question remains about the Platform Workers Directive. Some 5.5 million European workers were to get a reclassification of their employment status, accompanied by a minimum wage, paid holidays, social protection for those who depend on Uber and Deliveroo, for example, or any other company in the sector that reached €4.5 billion a year.
But a minority of states oppose this progress, including France. Nicolas Schmit finds this position "regrettable". "There are a number of details or questions of principle that seem to bother a number of states that could not agree to the compromise that was negotiated between the Spanish presidency, representing the Council, and the European Parliament." But he does not lose hope: "There is still a possibility of resuming these negotiations and I have full confidence in the Belgian presidency to get to work."
As a result of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, 4.5 million people, "mostly women and children", have been granted temporary protection in the European Union. In Germany, Poland and the Czech Republic, many want to work. This status has enabled "nearly two million people" to find a job and integrate their children into school, the European Commissioner said. "I would say that there are certainly things that can be improved, both in terms of work and the integration of children. But overall, I can conclude that it was a successful operation, thanks not only to the solidarity of the Member States, but also to the solidarity of the citizens."
Enlargement
In the meantime, left-wing parties and nationalist groups consider that Ukraine poses problems of social dumping. The Poles, for example, have blocked their border, refusing cheap competition from drivers from Ukraine, where the minimum wage is €168 a month.
Nicolas Schmit assures that "the social dimension is a central element of our enlargement policy [...], we must take strong measures to ensure that this social dumping does not take place." But it is also necessary to "settle these problems" with Poland "to show that enlargement is not another way of promoting social dumping." He considers this enlargement "absolutely necessary, indispensable, indispensable for Ukraine, for the stability of this country which has made extremely courageous choices, but also for the European Union."
Its committee has set up a "Tinder of Jobs", a platform to match the needs of the economy with the skills of the workforce from third countries. He estimates that there will be a need for seven million more workers in Europe by the end of the century, due to our ageing demographics. "First of all, there is the integration of all those who are not in the labour market, the young people who are called NEETs [Editor's note: "Neither in employment, nor in education, nor in training"]. There are people with disabilities. There are a lot of women who can't work because the childcare facilities aren't enough."
Despite the virulence of the debate on immigration, Nicolas Schmit argues that it is necessary to "proceed with organised legal immigration". If Europe has a shortage of manpower, "we can try to correct and make up for these deficits through organised immigration and de-emotionalise the migration debate, because immigration is also an opportunity for Europe."
Climate
Work, especially the tourism sector, is changing as a result of global warming. No more skiing, no more snow? For the Commissioner for Employment and Social Rights, "climate change is a reality. It is not an invention as some would have you believe. So it's a reality that we have to adapt to, but we also have to fight against."
He proposes to offer "regions and people who live from certain sectors, alternatives [...], economic, social and financial support becomes an urgent need to find a new economic model, but also to keep the jobs that have so far been created in the tourism sector, particularly related to snow, but which can also find other activities."
Hungary and support for Ukraine
In a dramatic turn of events within the European institutions, Charles Michel, the Belgian liberal who presided over the European Council, stood as the head of his party's list in Belgium and gave up his post in July. Hungarian Eurosceptic Viktor Orban, who is also hostile to Ukraine, could take over as interim president.
Nicolas Schmit wonders how the interim or the appointment of a new president can be carried out in the event that the Hungarian presidency assumes all the responsibilities, "which is not a given and which is not certain." He is reassuring and states that "the presidency does not have all the powers, and I believe that the need to continue our support for Ukraine is beyond the powers of [single] Member State [...], whether it is president or not, can block a fundamental strategic issue for the security and future of Europe."
Tribute to Jacques Delors
The year 2023 ended with the death of Jacques Delors. A great European who believed in the Community method, he was head of the Commission from 1985 to 1995. Nicolas Schmit recalls: "I personally feel very influenced by Delors' thought, approach and action. So I was a diplomat when he was President of the Commission. I believe that Delors' legacy remains extremely precious, and I would invite all those who like to claim this legacy to show it in practice as well, particularly in everything that concerns social Europe. Because Delors did not conceive of Europe without a strong social dimension, without protecting the weakest, precisely those who encounter the greatest difficulties in their daily lives."
Prepared by Isabelle Romero, Juliette Laurain, Sophie Samaille and Perrine Desplats
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