9 Feb (NucNet): Günther Öttinger has been confirmed as the European Union’s new energy commissioner, a move welcomed by the nuclear energy industry which says it is looking forward to a “constructive and progressive” working relationship with him.
Mr Öttinger was formerly chairman of the Christian Democratic Union party in Baden-Württemberg, Germany.
In January Mr Öttinger told a European parliamentary hearing into his candidacy that he wanted to oversee the “Europeanisation” of energy policy.
Foratom, the Brussels-based association representing the European nuclear industry, said the industry was looking forward to maintaining its role as a driving force behind the forging of Europe’s low-carbon energy policy.
Today’s confirmation culminates a process that began in September 2009 when European Commission president Manuel Barroso won parliamentary support for a second term.
Twenty-five other candidates for the European commission were confirmed today, enabling Mr Barroso’s new team to “get down to business”, the EC said. The vote was 488 in favour, 137 against (with 72 abstaining), well over the majority required.
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