Croat To Be Appointed As EU Commissioner For Consumer Protection

Neven Mimica    Photo: dpa

Neven Mimica Photo: dpa

Croatia is set to enter the European Union as 28th member state on 1 July. Practically just days ahead of that date, the EU has been busy interviewing for a new member in its executive machinery. Croatia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of European Integration, Neven Mimica, has evidently passed the interrogating interviewing session with flying colours. On 1 July 2013 he is to occupy his new position as Commissioner for Consumer Protection of the European Commission.
He had little if any competition for this position from Croatia as his nomination and support comes from Croatia’s government wings but, nevertheless, he satisfied the standards EC looks for. Generally, by European Law, every member state must have a member in the Commission.

Mr.Mimica will be in charge of Costumer Protection, which is a huge responsibility considering that the Eurozone is one of the largest trading areas in the world, with millions of potential consumers. Mimica held a meeting on the 4th June in front of the Internal market and Public Health Committees of the EU, in which he outlined his program: removing barriers to online shopping, highlighting issues of interest to consumers and enforcing the stability of the Eurozone market.
The new member will help the Commission tackle the crisis in Europe, which, according to a recent short-term forecast of the European Central Bank, will be predictably negative for all this year.
Mentioning the crisis goes without saying but what was not expected is the recent Trade War between Europe and China. The European Commission, which was accused of protectionism by the Chinese policymakers after Brussels imposed duties on solar panels made in China, setting Beijing over the edge. The response was immediate: the country led by Xi Jinping responded by undergoing an anti-dumping and anti-subsidy investigation on European wines.
Both countries accuse each other of “dumping”, that means exporting at a lower price other than the production one.
This happened just few days after the new composition of the European Commission was unveiled. It will be interesting to see what happens next”, writes Ian Ssali of the Global Oyster

In another turn of the media, the British seem to have just discovered Neven Mimica’s communist past and appear uneasy about it, when it comes to an occupant of an important position such as EC Commissioner for Consumer Protection.

“PS With Croatia about to join the EU, stand by for its politicians — some of whom were apparatchiks in communist Yugoslavia — becoming top dogs in Brussels. One such is Neven Mimica, who is set to become EU Commissioner for Consumer Protection, a highly influential job and one with an effect on our lives here.
In 1977, Mimica joined ASTRA, a Yugoslav foreign-trade enterprise regarded by some as a nest of Belgrade spies. Then came the Socialist Republic of Croatia Committee for Foreign Relations, where he rose to be ‘Comrade Deputy President’.  In 1987, he became a ‘trade attaché’ at the Yugoslav embassy in Cairo where he was described as a ‘diligent’ servant of the communist regime.  Now he will be swishing round Brussels with a motorcade, telling us all what to do”, writes Richard Kay, The Daily Mail

Given the above, the obvious question to ask would be: Who are the real and the hidden consumers needing protection in the European Union machinery – the politicians and their agendas or the people at large among whom there are close to 20 million unemployed in the EU!? If political agenda drives consumer protection and all the wheeling and the dealing that goes on within this portfolio in order to stave off the inevitable rattling and breaking apart of the increasingly weak economy and weak measures so far placed into practice, to try and save the boat from drowning and breaking into pieces, then someone who may have grown a rigid skin via communist indoctrination might actually be what the “doctor” ordered. Experience has demonstrated that nothing frazzles a communist or pro-communist from pursuing his/her political focus and goal! Mimica’s appointment will according to some sources be for 12 months. New EU Parliament elections are due in 2014 and the new parliament may seek to elect new Commissioners. While Mimica is not an elected member of EU Parliament for Croatia, one imagines he will need to work extra hard in proving himself worthy of securing his continuance as Commissioner if the new generation of EU parliamentarians of 2014 are to go about choosing new blood in EC executive organs. Undoubtedly, if it comes to that, Croatian government will nominate him again for the position.  Ina Vukic, Prof. (Zgb); B.A., M.A.Ps. (Syd)

Croatia EU membership referendum campaigns: Blackmail and sweet-talk (Yes to EU) Vs sovereignty and self-determination (No to EU)

Media grabs – days before Croatian referendum

Bloomberg: “Croatia’s drive to join the European Union may stall as citizens are split over whether accession will drag the former Yugoslav republic into a debt crisis and erode its sovereignty.

Croatians will head to the polls on Jan. 22 on whether the Balkan country should proceed with its planned July 2013 entry into the 27-nation bloc. Support was at 53 percent in a poll published last night by IPSOS-Puls, making it possible a re-vote will be needed before EU members begin ratification.”

Neven Mimica, Croatia’s deputy Prime Minister: “Membership in EU is an opportunity of the millennium which we need to take for the future of Croatian generations”.

Vesna Pusic, Croatia’s Foreign Minister: “ I wouldn’t want to be too cruel, but if we don’t enter the Union, you’re not going to receive your pension.”

Vesna Pusic – again: “If we vote against EU membership, we lose credit rating that same week. That means we’re not capable of repaying our debts. Pensions depend on healthy economy. If you cannot repay your debts, your interest rises. Things are very simple…”

Carl Bildt, Swedish Foreign minister: “the Kingdom of Sweden has continuously supported Croatia in her path to EU membership … Croatian voice will be important in the EU Council of ministers and wider. All countries have economic problems, but it’s much easier if we solve them together.”

Carl Bildt – again: “It was Sweden itself that had during the 1990’s experienced a deep crisis, and after the referendum in 1994 and entering the EU it had achieved spectacular results.

Vladimir Drobnjak, Croatia’s chief negotiator with the EU: “citizens should not fear the EU, because Croatia can always leave the Union… it should not be forgotten that the EU today accounts for 20% of the world economy, while 7% of the world’s population lives within its borders”.

New York Times: Zoran Sluga: „Some Croatians joke … that joining (the European Union) now is like arriving at the party at 2 a.m. Half the revelers are drunk. Half have gone home.“

Tportal news Croatia: Movement for Croatia – NO EU has submitted to the Chief government prosecutor Mladen Bajic a criminal complaint against the foreign minister Vesna Pusic – citing threats against voters

Marin Skribola: “You’ve destroyed the future of our young people, you should be ashamed of yourselves. EU is a dungeon for Croatian people.

TEAM group: “Croatian government was obligated to accept Euro and enter the European monetary union. To give such promise in the worst moment of Euro struggling with the crisis is unreasonable act that has no sense. Croatian government should have asked for the possibility of not accepting Euro as Denmark and Great Britain did. Without that option we advise Croatian citizens to vote against Croatia joining the EU”.

Matea Despot/translation: “It (Croatia) will have to provide enough police officers for effective control according to Schengen standards and the best practice of the EU. When it becomes a part of the Schengen area, Croatia will in fact become the guard of the borders of the EU.

Therefore, it is very important that Croatia is able to defend its border from illegal crossings of immigrants, smugglers and criminals.

There will be some big changes in lives of people who live near the border. Just remember Slovenia entering the Schengen area when there were gates on the roads and the citizens got the keys to the gates, so that the traffic could go on. The Schengen regime will certainly complicate some people’s lives. We witnessed the situation with Italy where immigrants were coming from Africa by boats to their coast. Their aim was to enter the wide Schengen area through Italy and to go to France, Germany and other countries.”

Tomislav Kosic: “Croatia would lose its sovereignty and would be governed by neo-liberal capitalists … Croatia’s farmers may not be able to compete in the larger agricultural community in older EU nations”.

Ivica Marijacic: “Keep in your sight the advantages and disadvantages and make a responsible decision. By all means remember the innocent generals Gotovina and Cermak, and if you think that this is a minor concession worthy of EU, ask yourself, would you hand over a member of your family for a promise of a better life”.

Dr. Ruzica Cavar: “So, Croatians, let’s not betray our victims for independence and freedom!…At the referendum let’s circle the ‘NO’”

Prof. dr.Josip Pecaric: “We invite all Croatian citizens who care about the truth, pride and the dignity of Croatian people, who care abouit the truth of the Homeland War, who care about the freedom of the deserving and innocent generals to vote against Croatian membership in EU, not only at this referendum but, eventually, at a repeated one until just judgments are delivered for the Croatian generals, and that is freedom.”  

Prof. dr. sc. Davor Pavuna: “To trust in the fairness of EU-bureaucrats is to trust Dracula with the transfusion of one’s own blood – the lasting solution for EU is a Europe of sovereign nations”.

Tensions grow by the minute in Croatia, days before the referendum on EU membership. Just a relatively small selection of grabs from the media suggest  that conscience vote will indeed play a large part on Sunday 22 January. While the pro-EU campaigns (government controlled) clutch at straws, bringing in the EU battalions who talk sweet and pamper the mainstream politicians egos (who by the way are resorting to blatant blackmail), the against-EU provide, in my opinion, a far better food for democratic thought: it’s not only the hard earned sovereignty but also the stark reality of economic insecurity that joining the EU at this time may surely bring. Let’s hope voters turn up in overwhelming numbers, just as they did in 1991 at the referendum for independence from communist Yugoslavia. Ina Vukic, Prof.(Zgb), B.A.,M.A.Ps.(Syd)

Zoran Milanovic – not Flash Gordon or Zorro but Speedy Gonzales, perhaps?

The new centre-left Croatian government, led by Zoran Milanovic, was sworn in on Friday 23 December 2011, shortly after the new Parliament voted on the date for EU accession referendum.

New Government of the Republic of Croatia, December 2011

The people of Croatia were given 18 working days to fully inform themselves about EU and come out voting either Yes or No on 22 January 2012.

Now, that’s fast!

When Zoran Milanovic, Croatia’s new Prime Minister, talked earlier this month about Croatia having 50 to 60 days to save the credit rating, Milanovic said ‘’it’s not like in the Flash Gordon movie to have 14 seconds for saving the world.’’ Later on he also said that he was not Zorro the avenger. http://dalje.com/en-croatia/milanovic–im-not-flesh-gordon-or-zorro-the-avenger/400313

He may not be Flash Gordon or Zorro but he certainly reminds me of Speedy Gonzales when it comes to the referendum dates.

Speedy Gonzales wears a red kerchief too.

A survey result reportedly shows that up to 80% of voters feel inadequately informed about what’s waiting for them in the EU and what’s not. http://www.novilist.hr/Komentari/Blogovi/nEUrotik-Irene-Frlan/Ovo-je-prekomplicirano-da-biste-shvatili (article in Croatian)

Nevertheless, it needs to be recognised that the Ex HDZ government has distributed brochures, booklets, held discussion panels, published some details of EU negotiations etc. Also, there have been a large number of individual “FOR” and “AGAINST” internet/web campaigns. Example of booklet published: http://auto.vjesnik.hr/razno/e-prilozi/default.asp?dir=files/2011/06/EU_pregovori&izdanje=1#/0

If one takes note of the above mentioned Survey then something went wrong. Either the people at large did not pay enough attention to the information provided or the information itself lacked appeal?

Surely the new government is aware of this? But still, only 18 working days to make up one’s mind about a very important issue for the future of Croatia!

The new government is truly young and fresh; there’s lots of positive or vibes of hope among the population that come in handy with new governments everywhere and Croatia is no different, but – 18 working days!

Hoodwink comes to mind!

President Ivo Josipovic has also said that there is enough time until 22 January for people to receive adequate information about EU.

The citizens are sceptical. Perhaps the root of scepticism lies in the fact that Croatians had to deal with a relatively large number of other issues of paramount public importance in the past 6-8 months: the ICTY convictions of Generals Gotovina and Markac, their Appeal, first arrest in history for alleged WWII Communist Crimes, a new law to render the laws of Former Yugoslavia as futile, the publishing of EU Accession Treaty to be signed, general elections, new government … and so it could follow that there was an information overload and many people simply did not have time to take everything in, properly.

A newly formed “Council for Croatia”, comprising non-parliamentary parties, associations and individuals has commenced a “NO” campaign. “The Council said the lack of a public discussion and the non-transparency of the accession negotiations indicated that the elites in power were hiding from the public the real truth about the EU and the consequences of accession”. http://daily.tportal.hr/166715/Council-for-Croatia-No-to-the-EU-established.html

It seems odd to accuse the Ex HDZ government of non-transparency when in less than a month from receiving the extensive EU Accession Treaty text (September 2011), the Ex government translated all relevant parts into Croatian and published both the English and the Croatian language versions on the web.

The HDSSB (Croatian Democratic Alliance of Slavonia and Baranja) and Labor parties voted against 22 January and suggested a period of three months before the actual referendum date. http://www.vecernji.hr/vijesti/zurba-referendumom-da-bismo-stigli-rokove-clanak-359654 (article in Croatian)

Prof. dr. sc. Davor Pavuna, a world renowned scientist living in Switzerland has recently expressed opinions for Vjesnik newspaper: “I see Croatia as a part of Europe, which by all accounts it is, but I’m not for joining the EU-entity as it stands now. I’m for EU-compatibility (like Switzerland) but not for joining as EU is disintegrating…I stand for the idea of croatisation of the planet, which means that Croatia, Croatian minds and friends of Croatia, regardless of where they live, build a network and focus on sovereign, authentic euro-compatible and planetary activity”.  http://www.vjesnik.hr/Article.aspx?ID=a3ccf4c6-e299-4aa6-b321-8a1ba2ea389b (article in Croatian)

Prof.dr.sc.Davor Pavuna

On the topic as to how to remain true to one self within the EU, “…we will remain so if we change our education system within a system that builds character and which nurtures sovereign and self-confident people who will take care of Croatia, and are not minions to systems such a EU … I’m not less of a Croatian because I’ve been living outside Croatia for 33 years. I’m still a Croatian, but I’m also a European, loyal to Switzerland or America and other countries and systems where I work”, Pavuna said.

A petition to the government in Croatia to postpone the referendum on EU accession until the ICTY final verdict on the Appeals by Generals Ante Gotovina and Mladen Markac is made and published – signatures are being collected as we speak. It is based on the assertion that when it comes to the 1995 Operation Storm, which liberated Serb-occupied Croatian territory, Croatia had every right under the Geneva Convention of 1949 to defend itself. Furthermore, the petition calls upon the wrongs done by EU against Croatia’s right to self-defence when EU abolished the Phare program and spread false information with regards to the shelling of Knin. The latter was picked up by ICTY and included in the ICTY charges against the Generals.

Appeal to the Croatian Government to postpone the EU accession referendum

Five workers’ unions have applied to GONG (non-political organisation aiming at motivating and facilitating citizens to participate in political processes) seeking that it makes representations to the government and the President for a one month postponement on the referendum for EU accession. GONG has been unsuccessful in this.   http://www.gong.hr/news.aspx?newsID=3744&pageID=1

http://www.hrt.hr/index.php?id=48&tx_ttnews[tt_news]=143860&tx_ttnews[backPid]=48&cHash=e226e1da67  (both articles in Croatian)

By the way, Neven Mimica (Croatia.s new Deputy Prime Minister) said, a couple of days after the Kukuriku (cock-a-doodle-doo) alliance electoral win on 4 December, that the referendum would most likely be held one month after the new government’s first working meeting – not before mid to late February 2012.   http://www.hrt.hr/index.php?id=48&tx_ttnews[tt_news]=142172&cHash=6a73804c31

Before, the Croatian Constitution required that a majority of all registered voters be in favour in order for the accession to proceed. The June 2010 amendment of the Constitution requires only that majority of votes cast are in favour of accession, with no minimum figure or percentage specified.

Latest surveys suggest that up to 60% of Croatia’s voters would vote “Yes” for Croatian accession to EU. http://au.news.yahoo.com/world/a/-/world/12451023/croatia-s-centre-left-government-sworn-in-eu-referendum-set/

There is little doubt, though, that a good degree of discomfort and confusion about 22 January, for joining or not joining the EU, lingers on in Croatia.

I suppose that may be the case with any referendum, anywhere. National referendums do have the capacity and the knack of stirring the population into actions they may not be ready for, into hard-thinking and debating.

People need time to digest the information they receive in order to form informed opinions. It seems they’re not getting it in Croatia. Albeit, Vesna Pusic, the new Minister of Foreign Affairs, indicated on Croatian HRT news December 27, that they’ll publish a lot of information on the internet … Well, what about the many who do not have access to the internet? What about more time?

I trust that most Croatian voters will turn up on the day and vote, otherwise the referendum could end up “Yes” or “No” without representing the majority of the voting population at large – i.e. Croatian people. Ina Vukic, Prof. (Zgb), B.A., M.A.Ps. (Syd)

Disclaimer, Terms and Conditions:

All content on “Croatia, the War, and the Future” blog is for informational purposes only. “Croatia, the War, and the Future” blog is not responsible for and expressly disclaims all liability for the interpretations and subsequent reactions of visitors or commenters either to this site or its associate Twitter account, @IVukic or its Facebook account. Comments on this website are the sole responsibility of their writers and the writer will take full responsibility, liability, and blame for any libel or litigation that results from something written in or as a direct result of something written in a comment. The nature of information provided on this website may be transitional and, therefore, accuracy, completeness, veracity, honesty, exactitude, factuality and politeness of comments are not guaranteed. This blog may contain hypertext links to other websites or webpages. “Croatia, the War, and the Future” does not control or guarantee the accuracy, relevance, timeliness or completeness of information on any other website or webpage. We do not endorse or accept any responsibility for any views expressed or products or services offered on outside sites, or the organisations sponsoring those sites, or the safety of linking to those sites. Comment Policy: Everyone is welcome and encouraged to voice their opinion regardless of identity, politics, ideology, religion or agreement with the subject in posts or other commentators. Personal or other criticism is acceptable as long as it is justified by facts, arguments or discussions of key issues. Comments that include profanity, offensive language and insults will be moderated.
%d bloggers like this: