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Marianne Thyssen grilled by European Parliament

12:11 02/10/2014

Marianne Thyssen (CD&V) defended the EU’s principle of free movement during a three-hour grilling yesterday by members of the European Parliament. Thyssen was one of four candidates EU Commissioners summoned to appear before the parliament yesterday ahead of taking up posts in the European Commission.

Thyssen, who was nominated to represent Belgium, has been given the post of EU Commissioner for work, social affairs, skills and labour mobility.

During the hearing, she faced members of the employment, culture, education and gender equality committees, who asked no fewer than 45 questions. At one point, she was asked by Paul Nuttall, deputy leader of the UK Independence Party, whether the UK would be allowed the right to close its borders to economic migrants.

Thyssen was applauded when she responded that the right of free movement of workers was an essential element of the internal market. “One is not possible without the other,” she said.

She added that she supported current EU legislation that allows workers to be employed in one EU country under the same conditions as they enjoy in their country of origin. But she added that the EU should introduce legislation to prevent abuse by employers seeking to undercut local workers.

Thyssen stressed that she saw economic growth as essential to creating new jobs. “We have to create a better enterprise climate, without losing sight of social services,” she said.

The European Parliament has to approve the entire team of commissioners put forward by

Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker. If they find any candidate unsuitable, the president then has to either shuffle posts around or ask for a new candidate from the member state.

 

photo by Thierry Tronnel/CORBIS

Written by Derek Blyth