After a heated hearing

Brunner in the hot seat: “I’m not a showman”

Magnus Brunner took part in the hearing of MEPs on Tuesday.

(Bild: APA/Hans Klaus Techt)

The designated EU Commissioner for Migration, Magnus Brunner, was "grilled" by MEPs for three hours in Brussels on Tuesday. The hearing was no walk in the park for the man from Vorarlberg. But late in the evening, he was confirmed by the responsible committee in the EU Parliament with a two-thirds majority.

The EPP, S&D, Renew and ECR groups gave the green light for the Finance Minister. According to insiders, the Greens abstained, while the right-wing groups ESN and "Patriots for Europe" as well as the left-wing group voted against the Vorarlberger.

Vague answers
Brunner's future portfolio as EU Commissioner for Migration is broad and, above all, delicate - after all, fundamental rights are to be safeguarded in all future measures. MEPs repeatedly asked questions, as Brunner's answers were often vague. As the majority of MEPs see themselves as the guardians of fundamental rights, the politician tried to describe controversial projects such as asylum centers in third countries with terms such as "new ideas".

You can listen to the hearing here.

In the hearing beforehand, he was repeatedly admonished by the chairman to keep to his speaking time. The hearing in Brussels was a procedure that every candidate for a Commissioner's post has to go through.

It was the turn of outgoing Finance Minister Brunner (ÖVP) on Tuesday evening. Within two minutes, the designated EU Commissioner for Migration had to answer complex questions on asylum centers in third countries, repatriations, Europol and hatred of Christians by Muslims. Brunner regularly exceeded the two-minute time limit.

Brunner in Brussels

(Bild: AFP/Nicolas Tucat)

MEPs put their questions to him.

(Bild: AFP/Nicolas Tucat)

"Do not travel at all"
A Spanish MEP wanted to know specifically: "Are you now in favor of asylum centers in third countries where human rights are violated?" Brunner emphasized the need for a "fair but determined migration policy". "But nobody in Europe understands that people who have no right of residence cannot be repatriated". He is therefore "open" to "new ideas" and will "discuss such concepts".

He also wants to ensure that "people do not embark on these dangerous journeys at all". It is important to create legal routes for migrant workers into the EU. They are also needed there. The EU asylum and migration pact must be implemented quickly.

Brunner also reiterated his commitment to the "rapid accession of Romania and Bulgaria to Schengen". The states had engaged in a good dialog in recent weeks and months. "A lot has happened" here.

"Learn quickly"
 At the start, Brunner still appeared very relaxed. In cultivated business English (he studied at King's College in London), the designated EU Commissioner gave a 15-minute statement. He emphasized that he was not a "showman", but that he was a quick learner.

However, the fact that he has now been confirmed in the committee means that Brunner is not yet an EU Commissioner. First, all other commissioners-designate must pass their hearings. The EU Parliament will then vote again in plenary on the EU Commission as a whole. It is still unclear whether this will take place in November. In any case, Brunner is likely to end up being part of EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's new team.