On 1 October 2014, Tibor Navracsics, Member designate of the EC in charge of Education, Culture, Youth and Citizenship, was heared by Committee on Culture and Education of the European Parliament to test his general competences, European commitment and specific expertise related to her portfolio. Tibor Navracsics had the opportunity to make an opening statement, he took part in a question and answer session and made a closing statement.

Brussels

statement

Committee on Culture and Education

NAVRACSICS, Tibor (HU, EC)

hearing

2014 Commissioners' hearings (T)

hearing of Tibor NAVRACSICS (T)

Hearing of Tibor NAVRACSICS (Hungary), Commissioner-designate for Education, Culture, Youth and Citizenship: extracts from the statement by Tibor NAVRACSICS

Exterior view of the European Parliament building in Brussels, Belgium

SOUNDBITE (in ENGLISH) Tibor NAVRACSICS, Commissioner-designate in charge of Education, Culture, Youth and Citizenship: &ldquo;You know and I know that relations between the European Union (EU) and Hungary have gone through a very difficult period. We have disagreed on some important questions and we have argued hard and loud for a long time. But one of the great virtues of the EU is it that gives us the space to confront our differences and resolve our disputes, openly, democratically and peacefully. Working through our disagreements however difficult they might be, only make us stronger both as individual countries and as a Union. Ultimately, we are united by the same European values: human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights. These are values to which I am deeply and personally committed.&rdquo;

SOUNDBITE (in ENGLISH) Tibor NAVRACSICS, Commissioner-designate in charge of Education, Culture, Youth and Citizenship: &ldquo;I want to have a modernised education system from early childhood to postgraduate studies. I want to ensure we have motivated and well trained teachers whose work is recognised and valued across society. I want our schools and universities to embrace new technologies and new ways of teaching and learning. I want to make sure that we reach our targets under the Europe 2020 Strategy. More students completing higher education, and fewer pupils leaving school early.&rdquo;

SOUNDBITE (in ENGLISH) Tibor NAVRACSICS, Commissioner-designate in charge of Education, Culture, Youth and Citizenship: &ldquo;We must put education at the heart of the EU plans for growth and jobs. This is why Jean-Claude Juncker has asked me to support the investment package that we will present within three months of taking office. Toda, I commit to you to pursue this goal, not only now at the start of this mandate, but every year when the Commission proposes annual country specific recommendations to Member States.&rdquo;

SOUNDBITE (in ENGLISH) Tibor NAVRACSICS, Commissioner-designate in charge of Education, Culture, Youth and Citizenship: &ldquo;I want to ensure that our culture and creative industries can flourish in the digital world. Europe lead the world when it comes to creative content. We should be proud of this. Today, I commit to you that no trade negotiation anywhere in the world would undermine the role of culture and the crucial importance of public support.&rdquo;

SOUNDBITE (in ENGLISH) Tibor NAVRACSICS, Commissioner-designate in charge of Education, Culture, Youth and Citizenship: &ldquo;I want our universities to become the best in the world. These are some of Europe's most precious institutions. They are pillar of our society. They are a vital sources of innovation.&rdquo;

SOUNDBITE (in ENGLISH) Tibor NAVRACSICS, Commissioner-designate in charge of Education, Culture, Youth and Citizenship: &ldquo;I will work closely with my colleague Marianne Thyssen Commissioner for Employment and Social Affairs so together we will do everything possible to fight youth unemployment. I know that the European Union is only one part of the solution. My job and hard work applies to the Member States. I strongly support those efforts by targeting the resources of my portfolio on this urgent challenge.&rdquo;

SOUNDBITE (in ENGLISH) Tibor NAVRACSICS, Commissioner-designate in charge of Education, Culture, Youth and Citizenship: &ldquo;Erasmus has become one of the EU most precious inventions. Erasmus symbolises some of our most shared values: openness, mobility and a desire to meet and understand our neighbour. More than any other program help us to build the European identity that our Union so urgently need. I am honour to take responsibility for the new program Erasmus +. I want to make sure that it gets the funding it deserves.&rdquo;