tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6406430766424642773.post7490039396003540360..comments2023-09-28T12:28:57.598+03:00Comments on Grahnlaw: Vaira Vike-Freiberga president?Ralf Grahn http://www.blogger.com/profile/02156293782163802007noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6406430766424642773.post-3819394037635807312009-11-18T05:45:55.058+02:002009-11-18T05:45:55.058+02:00French Derek,
You are right, criteria are debatab...French Derek,<br /><br />You are right, criteria are debatable, and as long as they are openly accounted for, this can lead to a better discussion. <br /><br />I agree that the new member states should be treated equally, so when I wrote about the criteria for the president's country, a long time ago, I underlined that the euro and Schengen or commitments to join should be accepted. <br /><br />As far as I know, Vaira Vike-Freiberga has had little direct involvement in EU affairs. She has not participated in the European Council. I have seen too little information about what she stands for politically. She is a member of the reflection group ("wise men") pondering the (non-institutional) future of the European Union, but there is very little information about the group's thinking or her contribution.<br /><br />Still, I have found reasons to see her as a noteworthy candidate.Ralf Grahn https://www.blogger.com/profile/02156293782163802007noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6406430766424642773.post-52753428931919072982009-11-17T20:27:59.122+02:002009-11-17T20:27:59.122+02:00Ralf, it could be that Jean Quatremer and you are ...Ralf, it could be that Jean Quatremer and you are placing too much emphasis on "long EU engagement".<br /><br />If the EU followed that ideology, then how long would newer entrants to the EU have to wait before their nationals could be considered for "top" jobs?<br /><br />If one looks simply at the basic requirements of the post - eg as a coordinator - then nationals of all EU members start from equal base. Which is why my vote lies with Vaira Vike-Freiberga.french dereknoreply@blogger.com