Edmund Stoiber start werkzaamheden als antibureaucratie adviseur (en)
The European Commisson's new anti-bureaucracy adviser, Bavarian politician Edmund Stoiber, has started his work by underlining his political autonomy, vowing to work "independently" and to make suggestions whenever he believes it necessary.
Commission president Jose Manuel Barroso i and his deputy, industry commissioner Guenter Verheugen, were reminded that they will have little say over the operations and proceedings of a new high-level group aimed at slashing unnecessary laws coming out of Brussels launched on Monday (19 November).
Mr Stoiber, who heads the group and is a former prime minister of the German region of Bavaria, said during a press conference that he does not see his role confined to the strict mandate he was originally given by the commission - which was to evaluate an upcoming consultants study on administrative burden of EU laws on companies.
"At any time I can independently from the mandate make proposals to the commission president and based on my experience this is what I will do," he stated answering journalist's questions on his exact role.
He also indicated that the 15-member group is "independent" and does not operate in "a relation of subordination" to the commission. It is up to the commission "whether the advice will be taken up," Mr Stoiber added.
The comments highlight the sensitivity of the appointment of the Bavarian centre-right politician, who is known at home for his public outbursts against over-regulation from Brussels.
By saying that he will make proposals to the "commission president" directly, Mr Stoiber also appeared to indicate that he does not feel answerable to commissioner Verheugen -who is the commissioner responsible for bureaucracy-cutting but also a fellow German and a rival socialist.
German media reported in the run-up to the group's launch on Monday that Mr Stoiber tried to circumvent Mr Verheugen by asking that he report directly and only to Mr Barroso.
Mr Stoiber reportedly also squabbled with Mr Barroso on the amount of staff he would get in Brussels - but this issue has been settled, it was announced on Monday.
The Bavarian will get an office in the commission's Berlaymont headquarters, which will be staffed by two personal assistants and a secretary. He will also get support from 20 staff in Mr Verheugen's department.
The full list of members of the anti-red tape committee was also released on Monday. It includes German top consultant Roland Berger; the heads of the German, UK and Netherlands anti-bureaucracy authorities; small and medium size enterprise representatives; a trade unions representative; environment and consumer group leaders; and agricultural and accounting experts.
The group is scheduled to have its first meeting late this year or early next year.