On November 3, the INTA and AFCO Committees met for the hearing of Mr Maroš Šefčovič, Commissioner-designate for Trade and Economic Security & Interinstitutional Relations and Transparency. The Committees on Internal Market and Consumer Protection, Petitions, Foreign Affairs, Development and Legal Affairs also participated as “invited committees” with the right to ask one oral question each during the hearing.
During his introductory speech, the Commissioner-designate set out that his priorities for trade would be based on three ‘Ds’: driving the EU’s competitiveness, defending EU businesses, and deepening alliances. In this regard, Mr Šefčovič put the focus on the importance of countering unfair business practices, with particular reference to Chinese overcapacity, and ensuring more European businesses were able to avail of foreign trade through new agreements with third countries.
For their part, numerous MEPs underlined the importance of reducing bureaucracy and ensuring trade was both sustainable and guaranteed a level playing field. Responding, the Commissioner-designate agreed with the need to cut red tape, though he stressed that simplification was not synonymous with watering down rules, in addition to underscoring that all goods sold on the single market must be in full compliance with European norms, regardless of their origin. The Commissioner-designate also noted the importance of unity during both his opening and closing remarks, remarking that only by acting together could the 21st Century also be European and not only American or Chinese.
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