Vice-president nominee for energy union Maroš Šefčovič won the support of S&D Euro MPs during his hearing this evening in the European Parliament in Strasbourg.
S&D Group spokesperson for environment policy Matthias Groote MEP said:
"Maroš Šefčovič delivered a good performance today. In him, we have a candidate who will make sure that climate policy will not fall behind energy policy; especially with the upcoming climate change conference (COP21) in Paris.
"It is vital that environment and climate policy not only become a part of the energy union, but a priority. Šefčovič showed, that despite the short preparation time, he has a good knowledge of the given task. He formulated a clear and sustainable vision on energy and climate policy.
"Šefčovič's statement set out a clear course for the future of energy policy, for the EU and for the new European Commission. He is the right candidate for the position of vice-president of the European Commission."
Dan Nica MEP, S&D spokesperson on industry, energy and research, praised the very convincing performance of commissioner-designate Maroš Šefčovič:
"Šefčovič stated that "the status quo is not acceptable" and we fully agree with him. We welcome his engagement on prioritising investment and ensuring that a competitive European industrial sector can indeed thrive alongside a green economy.
"Fighting energy poverty is one of the crucial key issues for the EU. An honest debate on the structure of prices in Europe is needed. Tackling excessive energy prices.effectively can be achieved through targeted energy efficiency savings. We welcome his clear commitment to a binding minimum 30% energy efficiency target for 2030."
S&D vice-president for energy, industry and environment Kathleen van Brempt MEP added:
"With Maroš Šefčovič becoming vice-president for energy union, climate change and energy policy will be wholly in the hands of S&D commissioners. This gives us extra strength to keep on fighting to ensure a sustainable future for Europe."
