Interview with Sandro Gozi: “The current Commission is one of the weakest ever!”

1. With two significant war conflicts occurring near Europe’s borders, how would you evaluate the EU’s response to these crises?

The EU’s reaction is insufficient because it lacks the necessary power to respond properly. The EU does not have true military power and its decision- making system doesn’t allow it to react effectively during crises. Therefore, I believe the EU doesn’t play a significant role in the Middle East crisis and is not as important an actor as it could be in the Russian-Ukrainian war. The reactions to the two crises are different. In the Middle East, it’s a matter of foreign policy, but in Ukraine, it’s a matter of neighborhood relations and the single market and therefore the EU should do more in the Russian-Ukrainian war.

2. In the event of a resolution to the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, what role do you envision for the EU in the global political landscape?

The EU must be ready to act. In the case of a peace deal, the EU should send troops to Ukraine to maintain peace. The EU should also help with economic reconstruction. In the Middle East, the help could involve sending a peacekeeping force. This could be the most important message the EU could send, along with its economic efforts. These could lead to success in a possible new round of negotiations for a two-state solution.

3. What is your assessment of the von der Leyen Commission’s performance so far?

The current Commission is one of the weakest ever! Everything is concentrated around Ursula von der Leyen. Her reaction to recent developments has been insufficient or nonexistent. For example, there were no responses to Elon Musk’s provocations or some of Donald Trump’s statements. The EU’s lack of response is truly astonishing.

4. The EU-Mercosur agreement has been met with significant criticism, regarding the lack of consultation form the European Parliament especially concerning its economic consequences. What is your perspective on this issue?

Von der Leyen committed to having a more “parliamentary” commission compared to the previous term. So far, she has not respected that commitment and the lack of transparency is also disappointing, as seen in the case of the EU-Mercosur agreement.

5. As a former president of the Union of European Federalists and a leader in the Spinelli Group, you have long promoted treaty reforms. Given the current political climate and EU leadership, do you believe the treaty reform process outlined in Article 48 is realistic at this time?

I don’t think the political will is there right now for the treaty revision process. The Commission is not doing enough in this direction because of a lack of courage. However, if the political will were strong enough, institutional reforms would also be necessary.

6. The Spinelli Group includes members from across the political spectrum, from the European People’s Party to the Left. Do you believe the group can facilitate agreements among these different factions in the European Parliament?

The EU must push forward. We really want to drive this direction in the new term. We are working on this now. The whole group wants to push for a more federalist position. Certainly, the Spinelli Group must play this role.

7. You have often emphasized the need for efficiency in EU decision-making. What key reforms do you believe are necessary to make the EU more democratic and effective?

Necessary reforms include the elimination of the veto, the reform of both the multiannual budget and the structure of the current budget and the reduction of the number of members in the Commission. Finally, there must be a strengthening of democracy, which means not only increasing the power of the European Parliament to propose initiatives but also extending its overall powers. I have just proposed a political package to the EU, which is not only about treaty reform but also political reform. We need to push in this direction for more democracy, greater efficiency, more capability and more resources. We must fight and we can win.

8. Federalism within the European Union represents a compelling vision for its future. Do you see a path toward achieving this goal in the near future?

It’s the most realistic and efficient solution possible. It is the true alternative. It can reduce divisions, tensions and conflicts in more European states and among citizens. It is the best way for the Union to exist on the world stage, instead of being subject to the will of Washington, Moscow, or Beijing.