Coordinators of the European Parliament’s Envi committee have asked for a higher profile to be given to environmental sustainability in the work of the future European Commission by including this in Commissioner-designate Karmenu Vella’s title.

In their joint evaluation letter to the chairman of the Conference of Committee Chairs Jerzy Buzek, Giovanni La Via and Alain Cadek, chairmen of the committees on Environment, Public Health and Food Safety and on Fisheries, respectively,  called for full implementation of the 7th Environment Action Programme to be an explicit task in the mission of Commissioner-designate Vella.

“It is crucial that a clear commitment be made on these matters prior to the plenary vote,” they said.

In the letter, the Envi coordinators also noted the lack of reference to sustainable development in the mission letter of vice-president Jyrki Katainen saying this continued to raise concerns.

They said they considered Mr Vella had the necessary professional and political experience to master the challenges the position of a member of the European Commission brought with it.

“In spite of some lack of details in his replies, Mr Vella demonstrated that he had a sufficient grasp of the main issues inherent in the portfolio. He also committed to defending Community interest when dealing with member states.

“He showed the intention and need to familiarise himself more with subjects falling within his remit as well as a positive attitude towards the environmental agenda and readiness to cooperate with Parliament.

According to the Envi Committee, Mr Vella gave a positive impression of his aptitude to be a member of the College of Commissioners and to carry out the specific tasks assigned to him. In this context, however, coordinators expressed a strong recommendation that a higher profile should be given to environmental sustainability in the work of the future Commission.

Pech coordinators said they were in a position to confirm that Mr Vella was a qualified candidate with the independence, professional aptitude and European commitment necessary to perform his duties.

“On the basis of his performance they are confident about his capacity to master his portfolio and to cooperate loyally with our committees.”

They said that the general outcome of the hearing was that the Commissioner-designate gave an acceptable impression of his ability to be a member of the College of Commissioners and to carry out the specific tasks assigned to him.

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