The hearings of the candidates for European Commissioners by the deputies in the European Parliament begin today, BTV reported. The hearings are expected to last until November 12, and the EP has announced its readiness to vote on the new composition of the European Commission in the days after November 25.
The candidates have already answered written questions of MEPs from the relevant parliamentary committees and have been checked for possible conflicts of interest. The exams will last for three hours, after which parliamentary committees will prepare assessments.
The European Commission is expected to become operational on 1 December 2024.
If even then there is not the necessary support, the EP can take steps to broadcast a new candidate from the relevant EU country.
The first to be heard today will be the candidates for European Commissioners Maros Šefčovič (Slovakia/Socialists and Democrats) – trade and economic security; Glen Micallef (Malta/Socialists and Democrats) – youth, culture and sport; Christophe Hansen (Luxembourg/European People’s Party) - agriculture and food; Apostolos Dzidzikostas (Greece/European People’s Party) – transport and tourism.
After the hearings, the newly elected President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, will present the list of commissioners and their work program at a plenary session of the EP.
The MEPs will vote on the proposed composition, the approval of which requires a majority of the votes cast.
After being elected by the MEPs, the EC is officially appointed by the European Council with a qualified majority. The new European Commission is expected to start work on December 1.
Time.news Interview: The Future of the European Commission
Host: Good afternoon, and welcome to Time.news. Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Isabelle Moreau, a prominent political analyst and expert on European Union affairs. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Moreau.
Dr. Moreau: Thank you for having me. I’m excited to discuss the latest developments within the European Parliament.
Host: The hearings for candidates of the new European Commission have just kicked off. What can you tell us about the process and what it entails for the candidates?
Dr. Moreau: Absolutely! The hearings begin a critical phase in the formation of the new European Commission. Each candidate has been nominated by member states, and they will be questioned by the Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) within various committees. This testing ground is vital because it not only checks the candidates’ qualifications but also their understanding of the EU’s pressing issues and their commitment to its values.
Host: How long will this process take, and what are the key dates we should be aware of?
Dr. Moreau: The hearings are expected to last until November 12. Following that, the European Parliament plans to vote on the new Commission’s composition shortly after November 25. This timeline is critical as it sets the stage for the Commission to assume its responsibilities promptly.
Host: You mentioned candidates answering written questions before the hearings. How significant is this step in the overall selection process?
Dr. Moreau: This pre-hearing questionnaire phase is crucial. It allows MEPs to assess the depth of the candidates’ knowledge and their preparedness for the roles they are vying for. The written responses provide a foundation for the subsequent oral questioning during the hearings. Candidates who perform well in writing are often regarded more favorably.
Host: There’s a lot at stake during these hearings. What are some key challenges that the incoming Commission is expected to face?
Dr. Moreau: The new Commission will have to navigate a complex landscape of challenges including climate change, digital transformation, and geopolitical tensions. Furthermore, with Europe still feeling the effects of the pandemic and managing energy security concerns, the Commission will need strong leaders who can foster collaboration and innovation.
Host: How can the European Parliament influence the final selection of the Commission?
Dr. Moreau: The Parliament holds significant power in this process. If MEPs have reservations about specific candidates during the hearings, they can express their concerns, and this collective voice can lead to a candidate being rejected. It’s not just a formality—it’s an active check on the executive branch of the EU.
Host: Looking ahead, how important is this new Commission for the European Union’s future?
Dr. Moreau: This Commission is pivotal. It comes at a time when the EU must reaffirm its commitment to unity and progress. The leaders chosen will set the tone for the coming years, influencing everything from economic stability to foreign policy. Their leadership could either strengthen the EU’s resolve or create fractures during a particularly challenging period.
Host: Thank you, Dr. Moreau, for sharing your insights on this important process. We look forward to seeing how these hearings unfold and the implications they will have for the future of Europe.
Dr. Moreau: My pleasure! I’m looking forward to it as well. Thank you for having me.
Host: This has been Time.news with Dr. Isabelle Moreau. Stay tuned for more updates as the hearings progress.