Maroš Šefčovič and Wopke Hoekstra will once again have to prove themselves in the European Parliament on Wednesday 4 October. Despite their hearings before MEPs on the Committee on Environment (ENVI) on 2 and 3 October, the two men failed to convince a crucial majority of political group coordinators.
At a press conference on Tuesday 3 October, following the ENVI Coordinators’ meeting, Pascal Canfin (Renew Europe, French) announced that: “The conclusion is that there is no two-thirds majority (of the political group coordinators) to support the two candidates for these new posts”. In an attempt to break the deadlock, a fast-track procedure has been introduced: the Commissioners-Designate will receive written questions - approved by all the groups except ID - which they must answer by 7am on Wednesday 4 October.
The search for political balance. This political complexity is accentuated by the fact that, for a nomination to be validated, it requires the support of at least four political groups. And the alliance of the traditional right (EPP), the socialists (S&D) and the centre (Renew Europe) is not enough. The Greens/EFA or the ultraconservatives (ECR) are thus essential to achieving this two-thirds majority.
Behind these hearings lies a political game. Wopke Hoekstra, who is affiliated to the EPP, finds himself in an difficult position with the Social Democrats, from whom the resigning Commissioner for the ‘Green Deal’, Frans Timmermans, and Maroš Šefčovič originate. These political differences are particularly pronounced on climate and environmental issues, notably the text on nature restoration (see EUROPE 13244/12), which has aroused resistance within the EPP.
“From a political point of view, we knew from the outset that the two positions were linked”, emphasised Pascal Canfin, highlighting the dependence of decisions between the two candidates. After Mr Hoekstra’s hearing on climate action (see EUROPE 13262/1), Mr Šefčovič’s hearing was particularly eagerly awaited. Decisions concerning Wopke Hoekstra remained pending, depending on discussions with the Slovak Commissioner.
Maroš Šefčovič affirms his European commitment. During his opening address to Parliament’s Committee on Environment on Tuesday 3 October, Maroš Šefčovič, who has been a member of the European Commission since 2009, highlighted the importance of the interinstitutional cooperation he has maintained with Parliament over the years. He expressed his hope that this collaboration would be strengthened in the context of the ‘European Green Deal’. The Executive Vice-President recalled the unprecedented challenges facing Europe in recent years, from the Covid-19 pandemic to Russian aggression in Ukraine. These challenges are compounded by the climate crisis, which threatens our economy, our society and our social model, as he pointed out.
Maroš Šefčovič stressed that, faced with these threats, the European Union has reacted, adapted and demonstrated its solidarity. The ‘European Green Deal’, inspired by the expectations of citizens, particularly young people, has become, in his view, the legislative response to environmental challenges. Furthermore, while 80-90% of the commitments made by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen have been met to date, Maroš Šefčovič insisted that the task was far from over.
Implementing the ‘Green Deal’. Mr Šefčovič also insisted on a global vision for the ‘European Green Deal’. He stressed the importance of ensuring that the public feel fully involved in and benefit from this initiative. “We must ensure that every European citizen sees this pact not as a burden, but as an opportunity”. Maroš Šefčovič plans to organise a “green social dialogue” to maintain and strengthen public support. He also stressed the importance of greater engagement with industry.
Emphasis was also placed on implementing the proposals of the ‘European Green Deal’. Referring to the importance of a dynamic of cooperation, he said: “Together, with Parliament and the EU Council, we will turn our commitments into concrete actions”. He mentioned eco-design, nature restoration and regulations on packaging as flagship projects.
Finally, on legislative implementation, the Vice-President of the Commission said: “It’s not just a question of agreements, it’s a question of action. Ensuring that each directive bears fruit is essential”, before stressing the importance of helping Member States, citizens and industry to take the necessary action to achieve the green transition.
During his discussions with MEPs, Mr Šefčovič was asked about his intentions for EU climate action. Members of Parliament asked for clarification on how Mr Šefčovič intended to integrate scientific recommendations into the preparation of climate targets for 2024, particularly with regard to reducing greenhouse gases by 90-95% by 2040. They also wanted to know how he planned to encourage industry to support this transition, while maintaining competitiveness.
A reduction of at least 90%. In his response, Mr Šefčovič reiterated the need to base actions on science, announcing that an impact assessment would be launched early next year, in collaboration with the Commissioner-Designate for Climate Action. Bas Eickhout (Greens/EFA, Dutch) urged Mr Šefčovič to provide precise figures for his ambitions. In response, he stated that his personal ambition was to achieve at least a 90% reduction in emissions, a figure in line with that mentioned the day before by the Commissioner-Designate for Climate Action, Wopke Hoekstra, during his hearing.
However, Mr Šefčovič reiterated that the final decision would be taken collectively within the College of Commissioners, once the necessary impact assessment had been carried out.
A major point raised by Mohammed Chahim (S&D, Dutch) was the need for adequate funding to protect biodiversity. He asked what concrete measures would be put in place to secure funding for biodiversity initiatives and how the Commission would ensure that an agreement was reached by the end of the year.
In response, Maroš Šefčovič referred to a study carried out earlier this year on food security in Europe, influenced by factors such as biodiversity, climate change and water shortages. He stressed the importance of biodiversity and sustainable agriculture, and said that striking a balance between the two was his priority. He confirmed the existence of funds earmarked for biodiversity, with billions of euros expected by the end of the budget period. He pledged to ensure that these funds are used effectively and acknowledged the challenges that beneficiaries, such as farmers and SMEs, face in accessing EU financial aid. He called for close collaboration with Member States to ensure that aid reaches the most vulnerable.
About working closely with industry. Peter Liese (EPP, German) asked Mr Šefčovič about the lack of sectoral roadmaps in line with the European Climate Law during his predecessor’s term of office. He wondered about the reasons for this omission and the related challenges. Maroš Šefčovič stressed the importance of a structured and ongoing dialogue with industry. In his view, it is only through regular interaction that specific problems can be identified and optimum solutions found.
He expressed his desire to establish this dialogue in all the major industrial sectors affected by the green transition. With the support of Parliament, he plans to initiate this dialogue with discussions on hydrogen, followed by those on wind power, a sector that is currently experiencing difficulties. The aim would be to obtain the most constructive feedback from industry to ensure a successful green transition.
The discussions on chemical substances were also debated. Mr Šefčovič has shown his determination to ban dangerous substances while investing in the search for alternatives. The thorny issue of glyphosate, whose authorisation could be extended, was raised. Mr Šefčovič defended the position based on current scientific assessments, but also stressed the need for additional safeguards.
Political past and European convictions. The recent election victory in Slovakia of SMER, the populist socialist party with which Maroš Šefčovič was previously affiliated, has raised questions about his position on the energy embargo against Russian gas. Pascal Canfin emphasised the need for a consistent position from Mr Šefčovič, both in Brussels and in Slovakia. In response, the latter emphasised his unwavering determination to defend European interests, and referred to his previous initiatives to promote the EU’s energy independence.
Unconvincing results. Pascal Canfin, however, underlined a major disappointment among the majority of parliamentary groups at Mr Šefčovič’s lack of clarity on the timetable for adopting several key ‘Green Deal’ proposals. The main requirement seems to be a clear timeline for these proposals.
For his part, Wopke Hoekstra, who appeared at the hearing on Monday evening 2 October, failed to convince on a number of points.
At a press conference, Mr Canfin highlighted the questions that still surround Mr Hoekstra’s former career, notably at McKinsey and Shell. Despite his promise to provide a list of his responsibilities with the famous consultancy firm, the wait is still on.
From the outset, his candidacy raised questions (see EUROPE 13236/1). Despite his willingness to pursue the EU’s climate objectives with assertive continuity, the Greens/EFA, S&D and The Left MEPs remain particularly critical, describing him as a “businessman” with a “consultant’s profile”, brilliant on the surface, but with vague answers on the substance. He “gave pledges to everyone without really committing himself, particularly on the text on nature restoration”, stressed the socialist MEPs, while his mention of a 90% reduction target by 2040 aroused mistrust.
4 October promises to be a decisive day. A coordination meeting is scheduled for between 8 and 10am. If agreement is reached, the nominations will be put to a plenary vote. If no agreement is reached, the process will remain open, prompting MEPs to consider other alternatives. (Original version in French by Nithya Paquiry, with Hélène Seynaeve)