On 30 September 2014, Vytenis Andriukaitis, Member designate of the EC in charge of Health and Food safety, was heard by the Committee on Environment, Public Health and Food safety of the European Parliament to test his general competences, European commitment and specific expertise related to his portfolio. Vytenis Andriukaitis had the opportunity to make an opening statement, he took part in a question and answer session and made a closing statement. Although the Parliament can only vote on the Commission as a whole, a negative assessment of one of the candidates has in the past already led to the candidacy being withdrawn and replaced. Vytenis Andriukaitis was Vice-President of the Lithuanian Parliament from 2001 to 2004 and from 2008 to 2012, then Lithuanian Minister for Health from 2012 to 2014.

Brussels

statement

Committee on Environment, Public Health and Food Safety

ANDRIUKAITIS, Vytenis (LT, EC)

hearing

2014 Commissioners' hearings (T)

hearing of Vytenis ANDRIUKAITIS (T)

Hearing of Vytenis ANDRIUKAITIS (Lithuania), Commissioner-designate for Health and Food Safety: extracts from the statement by Vytenis ANDRIUKAITIS

Arrival and greetings by Vytenis ANDRIUKAITIS, Commissioner-designate in charge of Health and Food safety (9 shots)

SOUNDBITE (Lithuanian), Vytenis Povilas ANDRIUKAITIS, Commissioner-designate in charge of Health and Food safety, I studied medicine; I am a surgeon by profession. For 23 years, my job was saving lives. I care passionately about people, I care about giving them the opportunity to live a healthier, safer and better lives. That is my passion, that is my calling.

SOUNDBITE (English), Vytenis Povilas ANDRIUKAITIS, Commissioner-designate in charge of Health and Food safety, Health is a key element of social market economy. I believe in a new boost for health in Europe. Spending on health is not just expenditure. Timely and universal access to care and medicine are investments in human capital and productivity. We must think beyond financial expenditures and gain. We must think about people's health as a key asset for society.

SOUNDBITE (English), Vytenis Povilas ANDRIUKAITIS, Commissioner-designate in charge of Health and Food safety, I will work closely with Member States to help them improve the efficiency and sustainability of their health systems, so that they can provide equitable access to care to all citizens. To this end, I will develop expertise on health system performances assessment. Supporting universal health coverage, strengthening primary care, improving quality and safety, promoting e-health are just a few things I will work on.

SOUNDBITE (English), Vytenis Povilas ANDRIUKAITIS, Commissioner-designate in charge of Health and Food safety, I will ensure that EU's emergency preparedness capability remain in good shape to fight rapidly in a crisis that can impact on health. The Ebola outbreak serves as a stark reminder for the damage that contagious diseases can cause and here we need to help those in need, wherever they are.

SOUNDBITE (English), Vytenis Povilas ANDRIUKAITIS, Commissioner-designate in charge of Health and Food safety, I want to see EU legislation delivering results to citizens, full implementation of the cross-border healthcare directive is a must. You can count on me to champion patients' rights in this regard.

SOUNDBITE (English), Vytenis Povilas ANDRIUKAITIS, Commissioner-designate in charge of Health and Food safety, Everybody has a role to play in this, form individual producers and operators, to the European legislator, and everybody benefits. Recent history has shown how quickly confidence in food can be undermined by fraud. I will be rigorous in ensuring that we have the appropriate tools to limit the scope for fraud and a level-playing field for all operators.

SOUNDBITE (German), Vytenis Povilas ANDRIUKAITIS, Commissioner-designate in charge of Health and Food safety, Within the first six months of my mandate I will be reviewing the decision making process for GMOs, in line with President-elect Juncker political guidelines, and I'll also pursue the on-going discussions on the GMO cultivation proposal. I will examine seriously all proposals being debated in the Parliament and Council.

SOUNDBITE (English), Vytenis Povilas ANDRIUKAITIS, Commissioner-designate in charge of Health and Food safety, If I am appointed I will work in an open and transparent manner. Having been elected 6 times for the national parliament, I see the European Parliament as key partner. Finally let me say that I stand ready to serve the people the choice I have made more than 40 years ago and never regretted. If I earn your trust I will work for the citizens, with citizens, in close dialogue with you, representatives of the European people. Together I believe Europe closer to citizens. Parliament's motto: this time it's different, let's do it.