The conclusion from the Harpsund-meeting was as we remember "First content, then names". Now President Van Rompuy has made a four pages content-proposal for EU priorities in the coming years. Second draft. It is called a "strategic agenda for the Union in times of change" and will be submitted to the European Council meeting June 26-27.
Van Rompuy has written the proposal after consulting with member states. Therefore the editorial line has been the lowest common denominator. The document mentions many of the challenges EU have to handle, but the formulations are vague. They are also toned down compared to a first draft. So if it is adopted, everyone can probably say that their political priorities are taken care of.
May be the text will be altered a bit, but it will not be an easy task for the Council to make the political priorities more concrete and binding - or give them a more reform like look.
In this situation "the names" in the top jobs will be important. The president of the Commission will have great opportunities to influence how the vague strategy document will be implemented. Mr. Juncker may be a very good politician for implementing a pro-integration policy, but probably not for implementing a reform agenda.
"The Juncker battle" concerns both a battle over the distribution of competences between the Parliament and the European Council and over competences between the EU and the member states. Even if a majority in the Parliament want Juncker, it is up to the Council to put forward their candidate for Commission president. And the Council are also an institution which represent the member states, and therefore have a legitimate voice concerning the political profile of the Commission.
Mr. Cameron has to fight on. He is right to if necessary demand a vote in the Council. If he loses this battle, the reform process might be dead and exit the only option left..
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