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On 9 Feb. 2010 the new European Commission was confirmed in the European Parliament.

President Barroso has assigned the most important economic portfolios to experienced and strong politicians including Joaquín Almunia (competition), Günther Oettinger (energy), Michel
Barnier (internal market) and Antonio Tajani (enterprise and industry). Oettinger and Barnier in particular earned much praise from all political groups following their hearings, thanks to their professional and convincing performance. What can business expect from the new European Commissioners?

In his hearing, Oettinger emphasised the need for a paradigm change in energy policy, leading to a Europe-wide low-carbon energy supply. To this end, he will look in the first instance to market instruments. He also announced that he will strictly respect the principle of subsidiarity. A binding energy efficiency target is not among Oettinger’s goals at this time. Only if it were
to become apparent that the goal of a 20 percent EU-wide increase in energy efficiency cannot be achieved on a voluntary basis would a binding target be considered. Oettinger signalled a revision of the current energy efficiency action plan next year. He sees great potential for efficiency improvements in the buildings sector.

Tajani in favour of »new EU industrial policy«
The concerns of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) were the focus of attention in the hearing of Enterprise and Industry Commissioner Antonio Tajani. In addition, he spoke in favour of »green growth« and underlined the key role of European industry for growth and jobs. Tajani endorsed a »new EU industrial policy« and in this context also announced a communication for this year. The core elements of this new initiative will be: stronger promotion of innovations and medium-sized enterprises, more efficient public administration, better access for European firms to export markets, and a consolidation of the European internal market. The new industrial policy will be developed in close liaison with the new »EU 2020« strategy. Tajani identified access to finance as an essential challenge for SMEs. In this area, he wants to seek solutions in close cooperation with the European Investment Bank. SME access to public contracts needs to be improved, but he rejected SME quotas such as those adopted in the USA. The new Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Integration,
Hungarian László Andor, said that combating unemployment in the European Union will be his most important goal. He underscored the need for solutions in the debate on labour market regulation and social policy issues. In this context, he emphasised the principle of subsidiarity several times. Given the problems with interpretation, Andor believes that a new approach
is necessary for the working time and posting of workers directives.

Competition Commissioner Joaquín Almunia argued in favour of a cessation at the end of 2010 of the temporary state aid relaxations introduced in response to the economic and financial crisis, and of a carefully thought-out restructuring of the affected financial institutions. Almunia would like to pursue the initiative for introduction of collective redress in antitrust cases launched by outgoing Competition Commissioner Kroes, but without undue haste and with close involvement of the Parliament. In this regard, he promised to ensure that abuse of the system – as witnessed in the USA – would be ruled out from the outset. Almunia and Dalli continue with »collective redress« initiative The theme of collective redress was also raised in the hearing of the prospective Commissioner for Health and Consumer Protection, John Dalli, who said that he wants to continue work on collective redress in consumer law. Both Dalli and Almunia stressed the important coordination role of the Commissioner for Justice, Fundamental Rights and Citizens’ Rights, Viviane Reding, in further discussions on the introduction of collective redress at European level.

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