The CSV's Christophe Hansen was confirmed as Luxembourg's candidate for EU Commissioner last week, although the decision was not met with praise from all sides.
Hansen spoke to RTL Radio on Monday morning following his nomination for the post, which was announced by Prime Minister Luc Frieden last week.
The CSV MEP said he was "relieved" that the nomination was now public, as he had been "walking on eggshells, and can now finally speak with full knowledge of the facts." Hansen's appointment was discussed in the coalition negotiations between the CSV and the DP following last year's parliamentary elections.
However, the Luxembourger said it was too early to speculate on the possible role he might hold as Commissioner. "I admit that agriculture would particularly please me," he told RTL. "It is closely linked to climate and environment, and we need a more flexible policy and not all countries have the same constraints. The measures that may help Luxembourg may not have the same impact in countries such as Italy, Greece or Spain."
Hansen himself comes from an agricultural background, as both his father and brother are farmers, and his cousin, Martine Hansen, is the current Minister of Agriculture in Luxembourg.
The decision to nominate Hansen as Commissioner was met with criticism from the LSAP, which favoured the former incumbent and leader of the European socialists, Nicolas Schmit. MP Franz Fayot called Hansen a "political lightweight", and the party published a statement on Friday dismissing Hansen's experience at European level.
Hansen said he "did not pay attention to that". "Sometimes a bit of change never hurt anyone," he said. "It's good to see new faces."
