On 30 September 2014, Dimitris AVRAMOPOULOS, Member designate of the EC in charge of Migration and Home Affairs, was heard by the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs to test his general competences, European commitment and specific expertise related to his portfolio. Christos Stylianides had the opportunity to make an opening statement, he took part in a question and answer session and made a closing statement. Although the Parliament can only vote on the Commission as a whole, a negative assessment of one of the candidates has in the past already led to the candidacy being withdrawn and replaced.

Brussels

statement

Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs

AVRAMOPOULOS, Dimitris (EL, EC)

hearing

hearing of Dimitris AVRAMOPOULOS (T)

Hearing of Dimitris AVRAMOPOULOS (Greece), Commissioner-designate for Migration and Home Affairs: extracts from the statement by Dimitris AVRAMOPOULOS

SOUNDBITE (English), Dim&#237;tris AVRAM&#211;POULOS, Commissioner-designate for Migration and Home Affairs, We face as well the growing dissatisfaction  of European citizens. Let me be clear from the very beginning:  the answer to these challenges  is definitely NOT fortress Europe. History has proven that fortress is build for the protection form external treats, and become at the end a fortresses that enslave those  they intended  to protect and lead finally to isolationism. This direction is not a part of our mandate.

SOUNDBITE (English), Dim&#237;tris AVRAM&#211;POULOS, When its comes to migration and home affairs, if we do not move together as a union, we will not move at all.

SOUNDBITE (English), Dim&#237;tris AVRAM&#211;POULOS, There are still some additional area that need to be discussed, most notably to work towards an uniform status valid throughout  the Union.

SOUNDBITE (English), Dim&#237;tris AVRAM&#211;POULOS, We have to improve our capacity to handle asylum crises while at the same time support those who are facing high temporary pressures on their asylum system. more solidarity is needed, and this is possible only if member states trust each others  ans assume also their responsibilities.

SOUNDBITE (English), Dim&#237;tris AVRAM&#211;POULOS, The EU has to protect those in need but can , at the same time, only be credible if its tackles irregular migration in full respect of fundamental rights. This includes that rejected applicants are treated with efficient and rapid returns.

SOUNDBITE (English), Dim&#237;tris AVRAM&#211;POULOS, While member states are responsible for controlling the section of their external border , the capacity of FRONTEX should be used to the full, and insure European solidarity. but are the tools at our disposal sufficient? The EC, the EP, the Council should have , should open a debate on the long term development of FRONTEX and the need and feasibility of creating a true European border guard system.

SOUNDBITE (French), Dim&#237;tris AVRAM&#211;POULOS, If Im' confirmed Commissioner I engage myself to insure that together we can achieve  success and carry out the mandate given to us by the European citizens. They want Europe to be a space for hope, a place for the prosperity for all citizens. This is a moral obligation for all of us.  