New Europe

Borisov is said to be furious with Kuneva and blames her for plotting with fellow Bulgarian Liberal, MEP Antonia Parvanova to bring down Rumiana Jeleva’s nomination for Commissioner. After an unprecedented concerted attack by some media and selected Members of the European Parliament last month, Jeleva, in a move of political dignity, withdraw her nomination. The vacant position of Bulgarian Commissioner was filled in a hurry by Kristallina Georgieva, a capable candidate, serving as vice president of the International Monetary Fund in Washington DC.

The appointment of Georgieva may turn sour despite her being one of the best choices Bulgaria had for its top European position but those in the know, understand that a Commissioner may help the interests of their own country by exerting her/his discretionary powers and, through proper networking, the discretionary powers of their colleagues. This depends entirely on the composition of the Commissioner’s cabinet and in particular the Head of Cabinet.

It is worth noting that any option other than Europe, as European citizens should be well aware, should result in people losing their jobs, whether they are Commissioners, or members of cabinet. The Commission is independent of national governments. Its job is to represent and uphold the interests of the EU as a whole.

With a total lack of knowledge of the Brussels nomenclature, and the advice only of the official Bulgarian channels in Brussels appointed under the previous Bulgarian administration, Georgieva appointed her Head of Cabinet without consulting with the Foreign Ministry of Bulgaria. Of course she appointed a German, as was the official line from Sofia but in selecting the person, Georgieva was trapped by her advisors and the “system” appointing Florika Fink-Hooijer.  In the recent past Hoiijer has worked  in the General Secretariat. The responsibilities of Hooijer included the reports on corruption in Bulgaria and Romania and the subsequent freezing of funds to Bulgaria, which according to reliable sources  reflected Berlin’s political desire to get rid of the Sergei Stanishev socialist government.

Florika Fink-Hooijer has appointed the rest of the Cabinet essentially by herself.

It remains to be seen whether her services as head of cabinet will favour Germany, Bulgaria, or as they should, Europe.