Frans Timmermans, the candidate to become first vice-president of the European Commission, today set out his vision for Europe with a tour de force performance and got the full support of the Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament.
 
S&D vice-president Enrique Guerrero said:
 
"Frans Timmermans demonstrated his strong capacity to coordinate the work of the different commissioners from his wide-ranging vice-presidency. He showed his determination to bring in a new era which will be defined by the implementation of new policies for economic growth, investment and job creation as agreed by Commission President designate Jean-Claude Juncker.
 
"He is firm in his will to bring the European Union closer to citizens, to reduce bureaucracy and to bring a new dynamism to the institutions. We totally back his commitment to engage in a permanent dialogue with national parliaments and civil society.
 
"His profound European convictions and extensive knowledge of EU law make him the best person to conduct a much-needed reform of the current working culture of the institutions, driven too often by bureaucratic inertia.
 
"Timmermans will reinforce cooperation with the Parliament in defining political priorities and determining the most efficient means to achieve them.  We particularly like his proposal on a mandatory register for lobbyists.
 
"He will be a strong champion and defender of human rights and fundamental rights (including minority and LGBTI rights) across the EU. He also made it clear that he will ensure that European values and the rule of law will be upheld wherever they are under threat."