Czech MEP challenges EU Commission over controversial appointment of SME envoy

Czech MEP Martina Dlabajová has challenged the European Commission over its controversial appointment of an EU SME envoy, questioning whether the selection process was based on merit and equal opportunities.

In addition to Dlabajová’s appeal, the EU Commission is also facing a question from a group of MEPs who want evidence from the Commission on how the EU’s SME envoy, a lucrative AD15 grade post, was appointed.

The criticism has been echoed by Transparency International, which has called for an investigation into the matter.

The controversial appointment of German CDU MEP Markus Pieper as the new EU envoy for small and medium-sized enterprises has raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest for European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

The decision to appoint Pieper was taken by the College of Commissioners on 31 January, just three weeks before the CDU announced its support for von der Leyen’s second term, raising suspicions that it may have been aimed at securing CDU support for her re-election.

“This indicates an attempt to increase German influence within the European Commission,” French Renew MEP Christophe Grudler told Euractiv, adding that with this nomination, von der Leyen is “absolutely” playing political games ahead of the EU elections.

Pieper got the job even though he was not the top candidate recommended by independent selection committees or Commissioner Thierry Breton. The SME Envoy will work with Breton and the Directorate-General for the Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs (DG GROW).

According to various sources, Dlabajová of the Czech Republic and Anna Stellinger of Sweden scored at least 30% higher than Pieper in the assessments, highlighting concerns about Pieper’s appointment.

In addition to the issue of qualifications, the other two leading candidates are women from under-represented countries, which is at odds with von der Leyen’s pledge to promote women in top positions and geographical balance in the EU institutions.

Euractiv understands that MEP Dlabajová has sent a letter of appeal to the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Personnel and Security,

In the appeal, seen by Euractiv Czechia, MEP Dlabajová asks whether the Commission appointed the EU SME envoy based on a merit assessment, such as the results of tests and interviews and the resulting ranking, and whether equal opportunities policies were considered.

The Czech MEP also asks what other possible considerations the College of Commissioners considered when deciding on the appointment.

A group of 14 MEPs have signed a written question tabled by German MEP Daniel Freund (Greens/EFA) asking the Commission to explain the controversies. The European Commission has three weeks to reply.

The EU Office of Transparency International also drew attention to the dubious appointment in its appeal.

“I find the recruitment process of the European Commission highly problematic. They did not adhere to any of the guiding principles they have for senior-level recruitment,” Nick Aiossa, Director of Transparency International EU (TI EU), told Euractiv Czechia.

According to the official Commission’s document on the senior officials’ policy, merit is the dominant criterion in decisions on appointments. The EU’s executive also points out the balance of nationalities and the promotion of gender balance.

The need for greater diversity, gender equality and geographical balance was also included in the document announcing the post of EU SME Envoy.

As for the next steps, TI will wait for the Commission’s response to the MEPs’ written question and then consider the next steps. As Aiossa told Euractiv Czechia, if the Commission’s response is insufficient, the matter should be referred to the EU Ombudsman.

The chair of the Renew group also endorses a similar approach.

“It is the rule of the ombudsman to carry out an enquiry if this is found to be necessary and relevant,” Renew head Valérie Hayer told during a press conference last week. She also said that Dlabajová is an SME expert with a solid reputation.

“We want to make the European Commission use of this expertise in an appropriate manner,” Hayer said.

(Aneta Zachová | Euractiv.cz)