"Mr. Olivér Várhelyi is certainly a very experienced diplomat, but he did not fully convince us today that he is the right person for the commissioner-designate for Neighbourhood and Enlargement. We want a person who has a clear vision towards our Eastern and Southern neighbourhoods in these challenging times. The Socialists and Democrats remain the strong supporters of the EU enlargement process and we want to make sure that this crucially important portfolio is in the right hands", said Tonino Picula, S&D coordinator in the Committee on Foreign affairs.
After the hearing at the AFET Committee, Tonino Picula as S&D coordinator for foreign policy in the EP, requested additional answers, plans and moves that Varhely will have to present by Monday noon, so that S&D members could eventually support his candidacy.
Picula adds that the fact that he will be under the supervision of the High Representative Josep Borrell is already a guarantee for the direction, nevertheless, they would like a written commitment that the actions that Mr. Várhelyi undertook in his previous capacity as Permanent Representative of Hungary to the EU will not compromise his future responsibilities.
"That means he has to draw a clear line between his previous functions", Picula emphasized.
Among other things, Varhely is expected to answer questions regarding the rule of law in the candidate countries, specifically treating of countries that would violate democratic procedures and prosecute democratic opposition, control the media, and not fight against organized crime and corruption. He is also expected to take a stand on suspending funding for candidates who would violate the human rights of minorities, human rights activists, religious minorities, refugees and migrants. Várhelyi also needs to comment on what he thinks of the potential reduction in pre-accession funds for candidate countries and how he plans to reduce foreign influence in the Western Balkans.
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