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Šefčovič: The questions during the hearing in the European Parliament were difficult but fair

by AI | 06.Nov 2024 | Europe in brief AI

He expressed the belief that European lawmakers can imagine what to expect from him in fulfilling the agenda, which includes trade policy, economic security, as well as transparency and interinstitutional relations, based on his responses.

In the picture Maroš Šefčovič, who expressed the belief that European lawmakers can imagine, based on his answers, what they can expect from him in carrying out the agenda. PHOTO TASR - Martin Baumann

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Brussels – The questioning by members of various working committees in the European Parliament (EP) was challenging but fair. This was stated by Maroš Šefčovič in Brussels on Monday evening after more than three hours of questioning related to performing his future position in the European Commission. This is reported by TASR correspondent.

Šefčovič recalled that the preparation for the “hearing” forced him to study more than 1200 pages, consultations that prepared him for the hearing and the performance of the assigned portfolio took over 100 hours, and because he wanted to “feel” the priorities of the Europarliament, he spoke with over fifty members in the last few weeks.

“Three and a half hours of answering detailed questions from members who have often been addressing these issues for more than one parliamentary term is demanding, and therefore preparation is necessary. I want to appreciate that although the questions were tough, they were fair and well reflected what the priorities of the European Parliament are,” he described the situation.

He expressed his belief that, based on his answers, European lawmakers can imagine what they can expect from him in performing the agenda, which is trade policy, economic security, and also transparency and interinstitutional relations.

“The most impactful” questions Šefčovič did not receive from Slovak Members of the European Parliament from opposition political parties, but from members of populist factions in the EP. After the hearing, he concluded that he could not say which of the questions was the toughest, but he admitted that he expected a lot of questions and emotions connected with everything regarding EU free trade agreements and the complex situation of European farmers.

“This was repeated in many questions. I feel that a lot will need to be invested in communication and clarification, why we believe that the agreements being negotiated will be beneficial not only for the industry but also for the farmers,” he explained.

He recalled that the EU is a global power in world trade and it is necessary that with each new signing of a free trade agreement, farmers gain export potential, and it is ensured that the profits from trade agreements are also reflected in the farmers’ pockets.

“This strongly indicates where we need to do more to get these important actors of the European economy on the side of good and advantageous agreements that I will strive to initiate and push across the finish line,” said Šefčovič. (November 4)

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