On 1 October 2014, Corina CREŢU, Member designate of the EC in charge of Regional Policy, was heared by the Committee on Regional Development to test her general competences, European commitment and specific expertise related to her portfolio. Corina CREŢU had the opportunity to make an opening statement, took part in a question and answer session and made a closing statement. Although the Parliament can only vote on the Commission as a whole, a negative assessment of one of the candidates has in the past already led to the candidacy being withdrawn and replaced.

Brussels

statement

hearing

CREȚU, Corina (S&D, RO)

Committee on Regional Development

hearing of Corina CREŢU (T)

Hearing of Corina CREŢU (Romania), Commissioner-designate for Regional Policy: extracts from the statement by Corina CREŢU

Arrival of Corina CREŢU, Commissioner-designate for Regional policy (3 shots)

SOUNDBITE (English), Corina CRE&#354;U, Commissioner-designate for Regional Policy, "I believe regional policy will make a major contribution to President Juncker's Jobs, Growth and Investment package thought its investment in the real economy, Its capacity to leverage private sector resources, and its involvement of local and regional authorities, social partners and civil society organisations. This policy will be central to deliver the main Commission priorities in the areas of innovation, small and medium-sized enterprises, the Digital Single market, European energy Union and Climate change objectives, Trans-European Networks and social inclusion.

SOUNDBITE (English), Corina CREŢU, Commissioner-designate for Regional Policy,"First my absolute priority today is to ensure that we maximise the contribution of regional policy to the new Commission's call of creating jobs and growth. The reform to which this committee contributed so much, establishes the policy as the investment pillar of Europe's governance. The reform has put in place a policy to deliver results. This is a key to successful exit of the crisis for the Union."

SOUNDBITE (English), Corina CRE&#354;U, Commissioner-designate for Regional Policy, "We need to translate the good intentions encapsulated in the partnership agreement into operational realities that can make the difference. A difference in the quality of life for all Europeans, for the disadvantaged, for unemployed people and for those territories in the Union that are in greater risk of falling apart."

SOUNDBITE (English), Corina CRE&#354;U, Commissioner-designate for Regional Policy, "Institutional capacities and good governance are at the root of any successful development effort. It is my conviction that this is more important than money, and pre-condition for our policy to succeed. We need to build to build high quality administrations, particularly in the less developed Member States. This will be a constant priority for me.To accelerate implementation of the current progress, to build sufficient capacity in the new programmes, and to support Member States throughout the next period."

SOUNDBITE (English), Corina CRE&#354;U, Commissioner-designate for Regional Policy, "I am concerned that we don't we don't always make full use of the possibility to make life simpler for the beneficiaries of the policy. We must do more to listen those SMEs who have doubts about receiving support from this policy, because they find it sometimes too lengthy or too bureaucratic. In this respect the regulatory framework provides many possibilities to support beneficiaries, and I intend to work with Member States to ensure that these are fully respected and exploited."

SOUNDBITE (English), Corina CRE&#354;U, Commissioner-designate for Regional Policy, "I will pay close attention to all measures necessary to ensure that the funds are properly managed, in the line with financial regulation and the principles of sound financial management. I will have zero tolerance to fraud! At the same time I would like there to be a greater focus on the performance of the policy and the result it delivers."

SOUNDBITE (English), Corina CRE&#354;U, Commissioner-designate for Regional Policy, "The 2016 review of the Multi Annual Financial Framework should be used to orient the EU budget further towards jobs, growth and competitiveness."