28 October 2024

COMMISSIONERS-DESIGNATE WRITTEN ANSWERS

As part of the European Parliament’s evaluation process, the Commissioners-designate have provided written responses to questions posed by Members of the European Parliament (MEPs). These documents, now available, include the Commissioners-designate CVs, written questionnaires, and detailed answers outlining their policy priorities. Each candidate has highlighted key goals, emphasising Europe’s commitment to enhancing competitiveness, driving sustainability, and building resilience in the face of evolving global challenges.

Apostolos Tzitzikostas (Sustainable Transport and Tourism) noted in his answers that he aims to balance EU’s environmental objectives with the social and economic needs of the transport sector, especially in terms of improving connectivity and affordability. He insisted that the existing EU transport legislation acquis will be enforced consistently across Member States to ensure a harmonised approach. He plans to quickly introduce a Sustainable Transport Investment Plan which would identify measures to effectively support the energy transition in transport and to boost investment in the production and supply of sustainable transport fuels in Europe, in particular for aviation and maritime transport, as well as access to electricity for transport. Furthermore, he will coordinate the preparation of a comprehensive EU Port Strategy to improve the security, sustainability and competitiveness of EU ports.

Teresa Ribera Rodríguez (Executive Vice-President for Clean, Just, and Competitive Transition) will place the Clean Industrial Deal at the forefront of her agenda, aligning industrial policy with Europe’s decarbonisation goals. Her priorities also include ensuring that Europe remains globally competitive by accelerating the shift toward low-carbon production across sectors. A key element of her strategy is promoting investment in net-zero infrastructure, aiming to support industries in achieving sustainable growth and driving Europe’s leadership in green innovation. She will also work with Mr Hoekstra on a new European Climate Adaptation Plan to protect critical transport and supply chain infrastructure. Simplifying and speeding up State aid assessment procedures is also marked as on eof her priorities.

Wopke Hoekstra (Climate, Net Zero, and Clean Growth) also informed the European Parliament that his priorities centre on the Clean Industrial Deal, alongside a revision of major climate policies to meet net-zero targets. Hoekstra also emphasised the need to fine-tune the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) to ensure it remains an effective tool in reducing emissions, reflecting his commitment to a policy framework that balances immediate climate action with long-term sustainability.

Maroš Šefčovič (Trade and Economic Security, Interinstitutional Relations and Transparency) communicated to MEPs that he would focus on several key areas including opening markets and eliminating trade barriers to support EU businesses, securing and diversifying sources of critical raw materials to bolster Single Market resilience, collaborating with partners for a green transition, and maintaining stability in the rule-based trading system. On Customs, he noted that he is fully committed to the finalisation of the current Union Customs Code digitalisation and of the Single Window, but most importantly the timely conclusion of the negotiations on the Customs Reform Package. He will also conduct an evaluation of the EU’s rules of origin as well as of the autonomous tariff suspensions and quotas scheme.