Today Carlos Moedas, Portuguese commissioner-designate for research, science and innovation, laid down his plan for action in the EP hearing in Brussels.
Commenting on the hearing, S&D coordinator for the industry committee, Dan Nica, said:
"Mr. Moedas showed a clear commitment for more European action and cooperation in the field of research, science and innovation. Whilst promising close cooperation with the EP, he committed himself to working closely with us. We will make sure that his commitment does not remain empty words but that concrete action will be taken.
"Mr. Moedas aligned himself with the main S&D Group priorities, though remaining quite vague on how to deliver on them. This particularly related to R&D and innovation as a crucial driver for jobs and growth; taking a clear stance against the Council with regard to budget negotiations; committing to the 20/20/20 targets stressing energy efficiency and diversification of energy sources; and finally committing himself to a simplification of processes and a greater focus on SMEs.
"With regard to Horizon 2020, we are pleased that Mr. Moedas agreed with our long-standing position that this programme required 100 billion Euro.
"It will be crucial to mobilise innovative financial instruments to fund projects which could create long-term sustainable growth and thousands of jobs in Europe. Unfortunately, the commissioner-designate remained mute on this point".