"We will embrace the work of the Inquiry Committee on Car Emissions (EMIS) in a spirit of cooperation. But we will not accept that the committee turns into a detrimental witch-hunt on the European automotive industry, diesel technology or the European Commission. And I am sure that the twelve million people employed in Europe's automotive sector will keep a watchful eye on us", said Krišjānis Kariņš MEP, EPP Group Spokesman in the new committee after the constituent meeting which put Kathleen Van Brempt MEP (S&D) in the Chair. EPP Group MEP Ivo Belet was elected as Vice-Chairman.

Krišjānis Kariņš underlined that there is no contradiction between the aim of improving the environment by reducing NOx emissions from diesel cars and at the same time strengthening the development of Europe's automotive sector.

"Europe has the lead in diesel engine technology and diesel has helped us reduce CO2 emissions. Now we are challenged with NOx emissions. But instead of throwing diesel technology out with the bathwater, we should concentrate on forward-looking efforts to improve the situation like the forthcoming introduction of Real Driving Emissions (RDE) tests", said Kariņš.

The mandate for the work of the EMIS Committee has been clearly defined to investigate different aspects of the work of the European Commission and the EU Member States in the area of car emissions.

"And we will be watching that the committee sticks strictly to its mandate and that it doesn't derail into a political folly", concluded Kariņš.