The Appointing of Phil Hogan as EU Trade Commissioner: A Deeper Analysis

Recent news has brought to light the appointment of Irishman Phil Hogan as the EU's new trade commissioner, a position that many have questioned. Some have even suggested that Hogan's appointment is merely a placeholder until a Scottish individual can take the role. However, dissecting this claim reveals a broader context of cooperation within the European Union and the legitimacy of the position of an Irish national in such a role.

Questioning the Place of Ireland in the EU

One might initially wonder if this appointment signals any margin of dissatisfaction or underrepresentation for Ireland within the EU. This concern, however, is based on a fundamentally flawed logic. When a group of friends declares they no longer want to be part of a particular circle, they lose all influence over the matter, and such declarations do not change the fact that Ireland still remains a full member of the EU and an integral part of the community.

Tact and Influence

The appointment of Phil Hogan as the trade commissioner also underscores the importance of how nations within the EU interact and form cohesive blocs. It highlights how effective communication and collaboration with fellow EU members, rather than viewing one another as foreign entities, can significantly influence the working dynamics and outcomes within the Union. In this case, Ireland's position becomes even more prominent as it holds one of the biggest commission roles, despite only comprising 1% of the EU's population. This fact alone underscores the strategic importance of Ireland within the EU.

Credit for Strategic Influence

It is noteworthy that Ireland's position as a member of the EU has been instrumental in recent EU discussions. The country's influence is not just limited to its position within the Union; it has also been at the forefront of critical negotiations, such as those surrounding the Brexit discussions. The discussions and agreements forged during these negotiations have placed Ireland in a more central role, a position it would be difficult to match with any other nation.

Commissioner Specifications and Responsibilities

To provide clarity, it is essential to understand the qualifications and responsibilities of a European commissioner. Commissioners must be nationals of one of the 27 member states (soon to be 27, as Brexit has reduced the number). This requirement ensures a diverse representation of perspectives within the commission, enhancing the overall efficacy and representation of the EU.

Phil Hogan's appointment as trade commissioner, therefore, is not just a formal one but also comes with a mandate to act impartially, ensuring that the interests of his own country do not override the larger interests of the EU. There will undoubtedly be instances where Commissioners must take actions that may not be favorable to their own countries, but this decision is made with the overarching goal of the EU's best interest in mind.

Civil servants from every member state form the Directorate General, providing the commissioners with a wealth of information and advice. This structure ensures that no single nation's interests dominate the decision-making process, maintaining a balanced and fair approach.

Negotiation Principles

The idea that any negotiator, including a commissioner, needs to leave with more than they entered is a fundamental principle of successful negotiation. The goal of securing trade agreements, regardless of the country being negotiated with, is to benefit both sides. This approach aligns with the broader objective of the EU, which is to foster economic growth and stability across its member states. Hence, the approach of the EU trade commissioner, including Phil Hogan, will be based on finding mutually beneficial solutions.

In conclusion, the nationality of Phil Hogan is entirely irrelevant to his success as a trade commissioner. The focus should be on his ability to represent the EU's interests effectively, not on his national origin. He will neither approach the UK or other member states with an antagonistic or deferential mindset but with the aim of securing the best outcome for all parties involved.