Poland's candidate for European Commissioner of Agriculture and Rural Development, Janusz Wojciechowski, did not get the green light from the European Parliament's agriculture committee coordinators on Tuesday. This means that the procedure of his appointment is not yet complete. Wojciechowski will have to answer additional questions.
Already during the hearing, some MEPs weren't satisfied with too general answers by Wojciechowski, given both in front of the committee and earlier on in writing. This was the crucial reason for not granting of approval for Wojciechowski.
According to information from behind closed doors gathered by Polish Press Agency (PAP), the coordinators and the head of the PE agriculture committee decided that the Polish candidate will have to answer six additional question in writing - one per each faction (except ECR). Next Tuesday, the coordinators will gather again to decide whether or not to approve Wojciechowski.
During his hearing in the Euroepan Parliament, Janusz Wojciechowski said that the European Union needs a long-term strategy for agriculture.
He added that the EU had a long-term vision for the climate, but lacked a similar one for agriculture.
Furthermore, the candidate stressed the necessity to stop or reverse the trend of number of farmers in the EU dropping with each year.
Wojciechowski also praised the EU's Common Agricultural Policy, but added it still has its weaknesses that call for a reform.
He also emphasised agriculture's role in protecting the climate, environment and biodiversity.
Autor: gf / Źródło: TVN24 News in English, PAP