The European Commission is making its view known in London. The Social Affairs Commissioner, Laszlo Andor, was talking to an audience of trade unionists, since any other group may have taken umbrage at his words. But, Andor's words, whilst music to the brothers, was a broadside to David Cameron. Choosing his terrain carefully and in a calculated insult, Andor confirmed that there could be no opt-out on social policy. He stated that repatriation would not be allowed: socially, legally or politically.
Then, Andor attacked an "unreasoning" defence of free markets and joked about unelected bureaucrats rather inadvertently proving a Eurosceptic point:
"May I take the opportunity to debunk a myth frequently heard here in the UK - that 'unelected Brussels bureaucrats' dictate EU health and safety at work legislation. I often muse at the term 'unelected bureaucrats' — as if many bureaucrats were elected! It also fudges the issue of accountability, which has nothing to do with being elected."
It is only through elections that politicians are rendered accountable, which does beg the question: who does Laszlo Andor think he is accountable to?
For Barroso, the answer is in a form of political union. As he told to the Chinese in a recent summit: first economic, then fiscal, then political. Barroso did not confirm if there would be any voters involved.
