The hardest nut to crack will be tackling stereotypes – Helena Dalli

The hardest nut to crack will be tackling stereotypes, European Commissioner-designate for Equality Helena Dalli says of the challenges that lie before her in Brussels.

Dalli says in an interview in today’s issue: “I think that the toughest nut to crack will be the tackling of stereotypes. My experience is that few people oppose equality per se, but then, after they expand their thoughts, a sizable percentage of people do voice that they do not discriminate...‘but’.

“I am certain that I will meet that ‘but’ on different levels and I will need to convince those people that their ‘buts’ are part of the problem and not the solution.”

Whether she will be able to do so, of course, will depend on her passing through the European Parliament’s confirmation hearings.

On that prospect, Dalli says: “Immediately after my formal nomination, I started contacting MEPs with the intention of having direct conversations with them.

“I want to listen to their agendas and also their concerns and I want to inform them about how I intend to proceed in implementing my ambitious work programme.

“I will address all questions raised in full honesty and truthfulness.”

The topic of social equality has started many a debate on the issue, particularly with the methods used to insist on this new form of equality. With her nomination grilling for European Commissioner for Equality coming up, HELENA DALLI answered questions via email for Jeremy Micallef on her grilling process, her goals, and the way forward for all things equality.

With regard to your Equality Portfolio, what would you like to accomplish on a European level?

Equality is one of the core values of the European Union and is something that the Union has actively promoted through legislation and policy over the years. That said, until this Commission, equality was never an area with a commissioner of its own, which is now changing. Indeed, President-elect Ursula von der Leyen dedicated a whole section to equality in her Political Guidelines – a first – containing a number of ambitious measures. Among these, there is the goal to mainstream equality both within the European Commission itself and in its outputs. A dedicated task force will be set up for this aim.

In view of this, my ambition is to ensure that the outputs laid out in the Political Guidelines are met, much like the presidentelect kept to her word and ensured a genderbalanced Commission for the first time. I want to ensure that all Europeans benefit from greater equality and the promotion of inclusion in our European societies. Furthermore, I want to make sure that we address multiple discrimination systematically and provide space for marginalised people to move closer to the centre of society and succeed.

What will be the first thing you intend to focus on?

President-elect von der Leyen has made it clear that she will present a pay transparency legislative proposal within the first 100 days. She has also made clear that she intends to mainstream equality across all areas. Both of these will be my top priority should the European Parliament approve my nomination.

With regard to the grilling process, how do you plan on addressing questions from MEPs on accusations from MEPs on corruption and the rule of law?

Immediately after my formal nomination, I started contacting MEPs with the intention of having direct conversations with them. I want to listen to their agendas and also their concerns, and I want to inform them about how I intend to proceed in implementing my ambitious work programme. I will address all questions raised in full honesty and truthfulness.

What do you suspect your most difficult challenges will be?

I think that the toughest nut to crack will be the tackling of stereotypes. My experience is that few people oppose equality per se, but then, after they expand their thoughts, a sizable percentage of people do voice that they do not discriminate ‘but...’ I am certain that I will meet that ‘but’ on different levels and I will need to convince those persons that their ‘buts’ are part of the problem and not the solution.

Another problem is the idea that equality is something one does when all other things are already addressed. Much like a treat that you aspire to once you have the basics sorted out. Once again, I will explain that inequality leads to inefficiency and a waste of talent and resources. The societies that achieve the most are those that provide a space to everyone to make best use of their talents and abilities. This has been clearly outlined by the Commission’s president-elect and is evident in the way she has structured her Commission.

What are the goals you have for this five-year period?

President-elect von der Leyen provided me with a great opportunity to demonstrate the power of equality on a whole new level. In times where democratic values are under great strain and where minorities are experiencing greater hardships, the work of the Commission can bring about hope where it may have been lost, and a sense of belonging to those that are impoverished because of social exclusion and marginalisation.