Commissioner-designate for the Internal Market, Elzbieta Bienkowska, passed her ‘hearing test’

By octubre 6, 2014octubre 7th, 2014ES insight

By Aline Brandstatter

On 2 October, Commissioner-designate Elżbieta Bieńkowska (EPP, Poland) went through a parliamentary hearing in front of the ITRE (Industry, Research and Energy), IMCO (Internal Market and Consumers), ENVI (Environment, Public Health and Food Safety) and JURI Committees (Legal Affairs).

The Commissioner-designate for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs stated that she would focus on 3 key priorities as soon as her appointment is confirmed by the European Parliament. First, she targets to release the full potential of the Single Market. She also emphasized the importance of fostering Europe’s competitiveness through investment and innovation. Last but not least, her biggest challenge consists in creating a better framework for SMEs.

As an overall, she appeared very determinate throughout the session and gained points among MEPs. She frequently referred to her previous experience in the field of regional policy and insisted on the fact that this is a cross-border policy, just like the internal market portfolio. Most MEPs raised questions about health and public procurement issues.

In the upcoming 10 months, Ms. Bieńkowska contemplates submitting a full roadmap listing all necessary actions to be taken in order to support the European industrial policy.