BRUSSELS (AFP-EJP)---German EU Commissioner designate, Christian Democrat Guenther Oettinger on Thursday defended himself against suspicions of anti-semitism, stressing that he had "very strong relations" with the German Jewish community.   

Oettinger, who has been nominated as EU Energy Commissioner, replacing pro-Israel Gunther Verheugen,was responding during a confirmation hearing to questions from members of the European parliament who are vetting all 26 nominated members of EU Commission chief Jose Manuel Barroso's new policy cabinet.

Asked by one MEP about his involvement with one group "known for its anti-Semitic declarations," the 56-year-old Oettinger responded: "My predecessor (as the head of the German region of Baden Wurttemberg) was a member of a foundation and I succeeded him.   

"I then refused to take part in meetings of the foundation," he said.   

"I have very close and very trusting relations with the Jewish community," he assured his interlocutors, underlining his "Christian values."   

In 2007 Oettinger was at the centre of a row over a eulogy he made defending the record of a predecessor as Minister-President of Baden Wurttemberg, ex-Nazi Hans Filbinger.   

Filbinger was forced to resign in 1978 after allegations surfaced about his role as a navy lawyer and judge in WWII. He died last year at the age of 93.

In his speech at the memorial service in Freiburg, Oettinger described Filbinger as "not a National-Socialist" but an "an opponent of the Nazi regime", who "could flee the constraints of the regime as little as million others".

Referring to Filbinger's role as a navy judge, Oettinger pointed out that no-one lost his life because of a verdict by Filbinger and that he did not wield the power and freedom suggested by his critics.

He was subsequently accused by politicians and the media of playing down the significance of the Nazi dictatorship. German Chancellor Angela Merkel reacted with public admonishment and Oettinger was also criticized by the Jewish community.

He first defended his speech but later distanced himself from the comments.