Varhelyi vows to be independent as commissioner

Oliver Varhelyi, Hungary's nominee for European commissioner, told a hearing in the European Parliament on Thursday that he will carry out his duties as commissioner independently of any government, emphasising his intention to follow the EU's policy objectives. Varhelyi said national and European interests need not be considered separately, underlining that the common aim was to create a strong and successful bloc. The commissioner candidate for enlargement and neighbourhood policy told the foreign affairs committee that in his post he would seek to act as a link between the main European institutions and neighbouring countries. The situation of the European Union's neighbours is of strategic importance to the bloc, he said, underlining the importance of maintaining stability, security and prosperity in these areas, as well as of reducing gaps in their levels of development.