Šefčovič needs to grant EP legislative right

"We have heard Mr Šefčovič's answers. I have to say we are not happy but we are going to fight with him against red tape and against bureaucracy. We urge him to present a concrete calendar for the reduction of the red tape and the regulatory burden for people and for SMEs, the pillar of the EU economy", said Vice-Chair of the EPP Group, Esteban González Pons MEP, after Šefčovič’s hearing this afternoon.

"A clear commitment is needed to secure that the European Commission will only propose new laws when it is absolutely necessary. Any new EU Regulation must replace all the previous ones on that same issue", he said.

"If Mr Šefčovič wants the EPP Group to back him, he has to commit to giving legislative powers to the Parliament as is the case in all European countries. We need to bring the Institutions closer to the people and reduce the gap between them and the citizens", González Pons concluded.