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Nicolas Schmit, the European Social Democrats' lead candidate for European Commission President, has expressed the need for the EU to revitalise its connection with citizens and strengthen its stance on the global stage.
Nicolas Schmit, the lead candidate of the European Social Democrats for the presidency of the European Commission, spoke to our colleagues from RTL Télé on Europe Day.
"In recent decades, we've neglected this. Instead, the EU has indeed become a rigid and also technocratic institution," remarked Schmit. Against the backdrop of daunting challenges and mounting pressures, he stressed the urgency of reinvigorating a sense of ownership among the 450 million citizens, portraying the EU as their collective project.
Europe was 'too naïve' and must become stronger again
Schmit lamented the EU's diminished role on the world stage, attributing this partly to past missteps. He highlighted a pattern of naivety, particularly towards figures like Vladimir Putin, whose intentions, he believes, have become increasingly clear: to "destroy Europe and its values." The conflict in Ukraine, Schmit argued, represents not just a regional conflict but a broader assault on Western democracy. He urged clarity in confronting these challenges, especially as elections loom.
Reality 'always catches up with you'
Reflecting on Europe's origins as a post-war peace and economic project, Schmit underscored its evolution into a major trading bloc. However, he cautioned against complacency, noting that global dynamics encompass more than just economic exchange: "The world doesn't just work through trade, it also works through power relations and we have neglected these, perhaps no longer wanting to have anything to do with them because of our history, but reality always catches up with you."
World 'no longer plays by our economic rules'
Nicolas Schmit stressed the need for swift adaptation to the evolving global balance of power. With the world no longer adhering strictly to established economic norms, there is a pressing imperative to adjust. However, Schmit cautioned against repeating past mistakes in relations with powers like China. While advocating for prudence, he underscored the indispensable nature of trade relations with China, albeit with a clear-eyed perspective.
The EU is based on the principle of free trade and has benefited from globalisation, but the major players, above all the USA and China, but also India, have "long since stopped playing by our rules," according to Schmit.
Fearmongering and horror scenarios
Addressing the contentious debate surrounding unanimity in decision-making, Schmit cautioned against succumbing to fearmongering. The lead candidate of the European Social Democrats argued that, contrary to some assertions, the existence of a right to veto does not impede further harmonisation, including in crucial areas like finance and taxation. Schmit refuted claims that Luxembourg's financial centre has suffered as a result, "quite the opposite, in fact."
Is Nicolas Schmit certain to get a seat on the next European Commission?
It is not yet certain that the Social Democrats will not become the strongest parliamentary group, according to Schmit. He would run for the post of President, but regardless of the outcome, it would be a great honour to represent all Social Democrats in Europe and a sign that even a small country can play a big role, Schmit said. Luxembourg would have to "think carefully" about who to send to Brussels as Commissioner after the elections, Schmit stated – even though the position was promised to Christophe Hansen of the Christian Social People's Party (CSV) during the coalition negotiations.
