Maroš Šefčovič, currently a Commission Vice-President in charge of Interinstitutional Relations and Foresight, was questioned by the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety on 3 October after he was also assigned the role of Executive Vice-President for the European Green Deal, following Frans Timmermans’ resignation.

In his introductory speech, Mr Šefčovič underlined the need to finalise the work on the European Green Deal “with urgency and courage”, while at the same time ensuring the proper implementation of already-agreed measures. He would focus on three main tasks in the remaining months of his mandate: seek the support of citizens for the Green Deal, bring all pending proposals to fruition and ensure the roll out of the files where agreement has already been reached.

On improving engagement with citizens, Mr Šefčovič committed to organising green social dialogues and strengthening cooperation with industry, agriculture and forestry stakeholders. He also underlined his full support for the conclusion of outstanding climate action files, such as those dealing with nature restoration, ecodesign for sustainable products, critical raw materials, electricity market design, methane emissions and energy performance of buildings. Mr Šefčovič also mentioned a number of new proposals to be announced in the coming months, including the 2040 climate target in early 2024, measures for wind power and grids, and an initiative on relieving water stress.

Based on the committee’s recommendations and the assessment by Parliament’s Conference of Committee Chairs, the Conference of Presidents will conduct the final evaluation and decide whether to close the hearing process and hold a plenary vote.