Brussels, 01/10/2014 (Agence Europe) - The European commissioner-designate for transport and space, Maros Sefcovic, from Slovakia, showed what he was made of during his hearing at the European Parliament on Tuesday 30 September. Nonetheless, he experienced a few difficulties convincing MEPs when he was questioned about cabotage liberalisation. Overall, he did not stray very far from the path paved by his predecessor, Siim Kallas. He did, however, prepare his hearing well, which has won him a place in the Junker team.
The current commissioner for institutional relations and administration has thus seen his move to the transport portfolio confirmed. The day after his hearing, Wednesday 1 October, the coordinators of the transport committee at the EP gave their approval (subject to the final approval of the whole college by the Conference of Presidents). Although Sefcovic did not answer all the questions (social dimension and mega-trucks), MEPs decided to place their trust in him, deeming that he had been “well-prepared”, according to one European source. One senior parliamentarian sarcastically remarked that Sefcovic had learned more about transport in two weeks than his predecessor Siim Kallas in five years.
The return of the social dimension. During his hearing, the Social Democrat candidate appeared determined to reintroduce a social dimension into the transport agenda, an aspect that Jean-Claude Juncker had, however, omitted in his mission statement. When asked by MEPs on the committee, Sefcovic acknowledged that, “in the transport sector, social dumping is a problem, which we will have to tackle”. During this hearing, Sefcovic several times demonstrated his intention to revive social dialogue in order to “build confidence” and to keep jobs in mind in every legislative proposal and impact analysis. It was, above all, the issue of social dumping in the road transport sector that was of most concern to MEPs. The commissioner-designate intends to tackle this question through simplification and clarification of the legislative body, allowing it to be better applied. He emphasised that “drivers and employers need to respect the rules”. He spoke of the possibility of drawing up a “social code” for workers in the sector and explained: “We could create a body of simple rules that are easy to implement”.
Cabotage. Sefcovic's contribution on the liberalisation of cabotage, raised under the outgoing Commission, was eagerly awaited. After avoiding several questions from MEPs, Sefcovic determined at the end of the hearing to express his regret that one out of four lorries is driven empty on European roads and that cabotage is unfairly linked to social dumping. In conclusion, he somewhat reluctantly announced that he would examine the situation and propose “simple and balanced” regulation”.
Rail reform. Sefcovic also had to give his position on the rail reform launched by Kallas with the 4th railway package. In terms of railway governance, he said that several models could coexist, whether this involved holding companies or not but that he would remain firm on the question of financial transparency. He also said that he was in favour of a transition period that was “not too long” for railway reform and opening up the passenger transport market. Some MEPs urged him to separate the technical chapter (completed) from the political chapter, so that the technical regulations could be applied as soon as possible. Sefcovic is keen that the 4th railway package is indeed treated as a whole. Thus, on this question, he remains firmly on the same line as Kallas. Overall, the commissioner-designate, demonstrated his firm intention not to present a 5th railway package but to “finally conclude all pending questions”.
Single European Sky. He had some harsh words to say with regard to the European Single Sky, opining that progress on air traffic management had been both limited and disappointing. He said that he was frustrated that member states were prepared to “lose €5 billion a year, rather than improve the system”. This hard line was shared by Kallas, who announced his intention to push forward infringement procedures to ensure that the rules were respected, particularly with regard to the introduction of the nine Functional Airspace Blocks.
Funding. Throughout his hearing, Sefcovic stressed that he would stick to the adage of the “use it or lose it” with regard to the European funds made available to member states to finance infrastructure projects. He said that he was concerned by the fact that Europeans were “good at creating infrastructure but not at maintaining it” because it cost too much. He said that it was important to attract private investment (such as insurance companies) and mobilise more funding from the European Investment Bank. The toll system based on distance travelled was more attractive in his eyes than the vignette, based on time. In this field, he is very keen on two principles: the polluter pays and non-discrimination (in response to the German toll). Other questions, such as passenger rights, inland water ways and state aid were discussed but the commissioner kicked questions of mega trucks and major projects financed by the EU but ultimately superfluous into touch.
Space. At the end of the session, the commissioner-designate briefly alluded to the EU space policy, which will now be part of his remit. He was put in the hot seat with regard to the fiasco involving the two Galileo satellites put into incorrect orbit at the end of last August. He said that he was still waiting for information on the “injection anomaly” and maintained that he would try and ensure that the potential of these satellites was indeed utilised. (MD)