As expected, the European parliament has backed the appointment of former CDA leader Wopke Hoekstra as the commission’s new climate action chief.

In total, 279 MEPs voted in favour of Hoekstra’s appointment and 173 against. The appointment required a simple majority.

Hoekstra will share the role previously filled by Frans Timmermans with commission vice president Maroš Šefčovič, who will have specific responsibility for the Green Deal.

During Monday’s hearing Hoekstra said he wanted to work towards a tax on aircraft fuel, shipping and on fossil fuels in general. He also wants the EU’s carbon emissions to be slashed by 90% by 2040.

GroenLinks MEP Bas Eickhout, who is a member of the environmental committee, said it is clear that the Green Deal remains a top priority for the commission “and that is crucial”.