Bulc wins over disgruntled MEPsVioleta Bulc, the Slovenian nominee to become a European commissioner, did well enough in her hearing in front of the European Parliaments transport and tourism committee, especially as she had just four days to prepare. She suffered none of the problems faced by Alenka Bratušek, the original choice from Slovenia, who was rejected by MEPs two weeks ago following a disastrous hearing. Bulc was not considered experienced enough to take on Bratušeks planned portfolio of vice-president for energy union, so she was given the transport portfolio instead. Although Bulc had less than a week to prepare for the hearing, MEPs did not always give her an easy ride. There was discontent among many committee members at losing Maroš Šefčovič, who was initially given the transport portfolio but then moved to take over Bratušeks energy union role. Wim van de Camp, a centre-right Dutch MEP, said the committee “unanimously wanted to continue” with Šefčovič, but added that “Bulc is not to blame for faults made by the Slovenian government”. Michael Cramer, the committees chairman, said in his opening remarks that he sent a letter to president-elect Jean-Claude Juncker expressing concern about losing Šefčovič, but never received an answer. But despite not being the preferred option of many MEPs, and being a political newcomer in her home country, Bulc delivered a strong opening speech. She said that “transport is somehow taken for granted and underestimated in Europe”, and added: “I hope you will recognise me as a passionate advocate for this sector.” She referred to her own background and experience as an engineer, saying that “logistics was always a key aspect” when she was owner of a company. Ismail Ertug, a German member of the S&D group, asked what measures Bulc planned to take to protect social security in the transport sector. Bulc, who said that people will be at the heart of her policies, said: “Its an achievement of Europe that we have such rights, but we should integrate them better in business models. Europe has a lot of legislation, but we do not know which country implements what. We should take measures for those that do not comply.” In her first couple of answers, Bulc came across as enthusiastic. But near the end she seemed tired and her answers were less convincing. She did not make many strong commitments, and almost all of her answers began with her saying that the EU has done the right thing in the past, but that improvements need to be made. It did not make for an exciting hearing. Bulc was very outspoken on the topic of road tolls, a hot topic with German MEPs. Claudia Schmidt, a centre-right German, said that bringing in tolls in Europe “opens a door we need to close”. Bulc said she was in favour of road tolls and “user and polluter pays” systems, but added that “national rules should not be discriminatory”. Karima Delli of the Greens received a more personal answer to her question about meeting the commitments of the green agenda: Bulc said the challenge of making transport more environmentally friendly was “huge”. “We can never be satisfied. I love nature, I live with nature and respect it.” “Much relies on consumers”, Bulc said. “If they are willing to pay, companies have to implement these changes. [UN climate talks in] Paris is a great motivation.” After delivering her closing remarks, Bulc received a round of applause. “I believe that any problem that we create can also be solved. We can put transport back at the top of the EUs agenda.” MEPs may have been unhappy about losing Šefčovič, but on this evidence Bulc could be better than they feared.By Cynthia Kroet Violeta Bulc, the Slovenian nominee to become a European commissioner, did well enough in her hearing in front of the European Parliaments transport and tourism committee, especially as she had just four days to prepare. She suffered none of the problems faced by Alenka Bratušek, the original choice from Slovenia, who was rejected by MEPs two weeks ago following a disastrous hearing. Bulc was not considered experienced enough to take on Bratušeks planned portfolio of vice-president for energy union, so she was given the transport portfolio instead. Although Bulc had less than a week to prepare for the hearing, MEPs did not always give her an easy ride. There was discontent among many committee members at losing Maroš Šefčovič, who was initially given the transport portfolio but then moved to take over Bratušeks energy union role. Wim van de Camp, a centre-right Dutch MEP, said the committee “unanimously wanted to continue” with Šefčovič, but added that “Bulc is not to blame for faults made by the Slovenian government”. Michael Cramer, the committees chairman, said in his opening remarks that he sent a letter to president-elect Jean-Claude Juncker expressing concern about losing Šefčovič, but never received an answer. But despite not being the preferred option of many MEPs, and being a political newcomer in her home country, Bulc delivered a strong opening speech. She said that “transport is somehow taken for granted and underestimated in Europe”, and added: “I hope you will recognise me as a passionate advocate for this sector.” She referred to her own background and experience as an engineer, saying that “logistics was always a key aspect” when she was owner of a company. Ismail Ertug, a German member of the S&D group, asked what measures Bulc planned to take to protect social security in the transport sector. Bulc, who said that people will be at the heart of her policies, said: “Its an achievement of Europe that we have such rights, but we should integrate them better in business models. Europe has a lot of legislation, but we do not know which country implements what. We should take measures for those that do not comply.” In her first couple of answers, Bulc came across as enthusiastic. But near the end she seemed tired and her answers were less convincing. She did not make many strong commitments, and almost all of her answers began with her saying that the EU has done the right thing in the past, but that improvements need to be made. It did not make for an exciting hearing. Bulc was very outspoken on the topic of road tolls, a hot topic with German MEPs. Claudia Schmidt, a centre-right German, said that bringing in tolls in Europe “opens a door we need to close”. Bulc said she was in favour of road tolls and “user and polluter pays” systems, but added that “national rules should not be discriminatory”. Karima Delli of the Greens received a more personal answer to her question about meeting the commitments of the green agenda: Bulc said the challenge of making transport more environmentally friendly was “huge”. “We can never be satisfied. I love nature, I live with nature and respect it.” “Much relies on consumers”, Bulc said. “If they are willing to pay, companies have to implement these changes. [UN climate talks in] Paris is a great motivation.” After delivering her closing remarks, Bulc received a round of applause. “I believe that any problem that we create can also be solved. We can put transport back at the top of the EUs agenda.” MEPs may have been unhappy about losing Šefčovič, but on this evidence Bulc could be better than they feared. ift.tt/1gB4pon
Posted on: Mon, 20 Oct 2014 23:27:41 +0000
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