On 30 September 2014, Maroš Šefčovič, Member designate of the EC in charge of Transport and Space, was heard by the Committee on Transport and Tourism and the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy of the European Parliament to test his general competences, European commitment and specific expertise related to his portfolio. He had the opportunity to make an opening statement before taking part in the question and answer session.Although the Parliament can only vote on the European Commission as a whole, a negative assessment of one of the candidates has in the past often led to the candidacy being withdrawn and replaced.In the outgoing Commission, Maroš Šefčovič was Vice-President in charge of Inter-Institutional Relations and Administration.

Brussels

statement

Committee on Transport and Tourism

ŠEFČOVIČ, Maroš (SK, EC)

hearing

2014 Commissioners' hearings (T)

hearing of Maroš ŠEFČOVIČ (T)

Hearing of Maros SEFCOVIC (Slovakia), Commissioner-designate for Transport and Space: statement by Maros SEFCOVIC

Exterior view of the European Parliament building in Brussels, Belgium

SOUNDBITE (English), Maros SEFCOVIC, Commissioner-designate in charge of Transport and Space: , &ldquo;Economic growth and the creation of decent solid jobs is the priority number one for Juncker Commission and I believe that our joint efforts in this area of Transport and Space can contribute significantly to this goal. I am eager to work intensely with you to contribute to the pledge of President elect Juncker to create this new &euro;300 billion of investment package by taking an innovative approach in leveraging EU funds allocated for the modernisation of the EU infrastructure. For that we need good projects, we need to go further in our good cooperation with the European Investment Bank (EIB). We need to find a good working relationship with the private sector to start this formidable process of lifting Europe out of the crisis and bringing in Europe the world class infrastructure it needs for the 21st century.&rdquo;

SOUNDBITE (English), Maros SEFCOVIC, &ldquo;I would like to assure that I am fully aware of social sensitivities and concerns around these files. My proposal on how to address them would be to deepen social dialogue, where together with social partners we would work on how to modernise the transport industry but not to the detriment of well-established social standards.&rdquo;

SOUNDBITE (English), Maros SEFCOVIC, &ldquo;The Single European Transport Area must include all modes of transport. We must achieve the required interoperability of our railway sector and overcome cross border fragmentation by deploying modern signalling systems like ERTMS which are just waiting to be allowed. They are here, we just need to use them. We must use the Railway Agency to get rid of these 26 thousand national rules blocking this sector from development and use the joint undertakings like shifts to rely to design tomorrow&rsquo;s interoperable system.&rdquo;

SOUNDBITE (English), Maros SEFCOVIC, &ldquo;I am also a strong believer in the Single European Sky. I do not think we can afford to lose &euro;5 billion a year because we cannot create a coherent European Air Space. Therefore, we are forcing our airplanes longer and costlier rules producing more CO2 emissions. We have to work on airport performance and capacity and look at what is going on in our neighbourhood. In the Middle East, for example, where we face formidable competition. If we cannot take the right decisions we will very soon lack the adequate capacity in Europe.&rdquo;

SOUNDBITE (English), Maros SEFCOVIC, &ldquo;We also have to look in a deep and comprehensive manner at the different applications of the agreed rules such as rules on cabotage. Pressure on the industry to reduce congestion, noise, CO2 emissions while at the same time to enhance safety will clearly increase. I am committed to accelerate the deployment of the new technologies during this legislature to help address this issue. I firmly believe that progress in this area will help us further to reduce the numbers of road fatalities as well because 26.000 fatalities a year is a very high number. It&rsquo;s totally unacceptable for me and I am sure for you as well.&rdquo;

SOUNDBITE (English), Maros SEFCOVIC, &ldquo;If I am confirmed by you as a Commissioner for Transport and Space I will work together with you to build on this global leadership to give Europe the infrastructure needed for the 21st century. To boost the economy and create jobs, to drive innovation and to protect the environment.&rdquo;