Fule gave a confident performance, engaging with the members. Using his background, he spoke with passion on the importance of enlargement in his own country and how it should be central to EU plans. He stated that enlargement was a success and that it was important to show candidate and neighbouring countries that there were real advantages for membership, and that these had to be shown, not just to governments but the future citizens of the union. Additionally, he stated his belief that "One thing is absolutely clear, that unless we persuade, not just governments but citizens that enlargement is good and there are benefits for all citizens, we will fail." He said that he wanted to bring results, in the form of new candidate countries and to "invite others to join our family". He reassured the parliament that, as far as he was concerned, he was politically accountable to the parliament on enlargement and neighbourhood policy.
On the Balkans, he said that we need to help them with reforms so they can fulfil, not just the rights, but the obligations of membership. Montenegro was mentioned by Charles Tannock (EPP) but the Commissioner Designate was hopeful, replying that "There were some issues that I want to raise with Montenegro, but I see them on the right path". Ukraine was less rosy, when asked about becoming a candidate, he said, "Is Ukraine there yet? No. Is the neighbourhood policy the right instrument? Yes". Also causing concern was Belarus, who "has a long way to go", according to Fule.
Turkey was raised by several members, and Fule told the meeting that he felt "the accession will go ahead, but I will do everything to make it clear that they need to implement the Ankara protocol." Religious freedom was also a key requirement for turkey but he had praise for the country, "I respect the achievements of Turkey in the reform process and their strong commitment of the Turkish authorities. Accession is the best leverage we have for Turkey to modernise and reform." He wouldn't halt talks until modernisation and human rights had improved. When asked by Mirosuaw Piotrowski (ECR) about if he could see Turkey as a member, because of its different culture he was forthright, "Let me be very clear, can I see Turkey as a member? Yes I can. It's about the credibility of the EU, but also about turkey fulfilling all criteria. I'm confident it will be a new, modern and reformed Turkey, that will be to the benefit of the EU and Turkey. there are divergent views in this House and I am ready to discuss with any of you, in whatever forum you prefer."
Faced with claims that Croatia's accession being a given, Fule disagreed, "No decisions have been taken on Croatia, we have a process. we negotiate with goodwill." He also stated that they had learned from the experience of previous enlargement, saying they have better benchmarks and a very serious process. Faced with questions on how he would work with Baroness Ashton, the high Representative, he illustrated their approach to the Middle East, "Ashton is in charge of the EU in the Middle East process, I am in charge of bilateral relations with countries in the region. By working together we have the opportunity ot create a synergy that wasn't there before the Lisbon Treaty came into place".
His priorities are that they will treat each country on merit and take into account a regional perspective, but not to leave any countries "out in the cold". On Bosnia his priority is to reflect in the Bosnian constitution the findings of the Strasbourg court of human rights and he is looking for "evolution rather than revolution" and is looking on "how to achieve a better functioning state in Bosnia Herzegovina, because we need a better functioning state there", and this was a case where working closely with the high representative would be an advantage of Lisbon.
Another major issue was Russia, who had opted not to be part of the neighbourhood policy, but they are in negotiations on a new contractual agreement and he intends to assist the High Representative in negotiations. Georgia was one point of contention and Fule said he wanted to "co-operate with Russia where we can, but if we diverge, we will be uncompromising in upholding our values. Georgia offers a chance to show co-operation with the High Representative and the EAS, forming a crisis response team under EAS. He supported the EU Mission to Georgia and backed the no recognition policy towards the breakaway republics and said that, after visa facilitation between the EU and Georgia he "hoped for visa liberation".
He faced few questions on his past in the Communist party and the threatened targeting of ex-Communists didn't occur. He offered his experience of the last 20 years, and spoke about the Czech delaying of the Lisbon Treaty saying that "Throughout the debate, it's obvious that the Eu has spent too much valuable time on this and now we need to focus on matters of substance". Addressing the divergent views in the hall, he said, "There is no consensual opinion on a number of issues and without starting the debate here, I could hardly persuade national parliaments and citizens".
Fule appeared comfortable and in command of his brief. His answers tended to be clear and direct and he didn't try to hide behind process. What may be the main attribute, was that his commitment to expansion, in a controlled way was a priority. He appeared to give the impression that he and High Representative Ashton could clearly define their roles, but reality, once the posts are confirmed, may change this. He also sounded cautious but welcoming towards Turkey, but what does Van Rompey think of that? Quotes "Enlargement has transformed my country and my life. It has restored hope and dignity to millions of people" "There should be no short cuts to membership" "Stability at our borders is Europe's stability" "We will show you what a good team there will be to represent you".
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EN CV
Fule gave a confident performance, engaging with the members. Using his background, he spoke with passion on the importance of enlargement in his own country and how it should be central to 
"Enlargement has transformed my country and my life. It has restored hope and dignity to millions of people" 
