EP Leaders and President-elect von der Leyen Discuss Future Commission: A Detailed Path to Confirmation Hearings

EP leaders debate future Commission

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European Parliament leaders engaged in discussions with the Commission's President-elect regarding the new team of Commissioners.

At the behest of European Parliament President Roberta Metsola, Ursula von der Leyen, who is set to become the President of the European Commission, engaged in talks with the heads of the Political Groups within the European Parliament today. The discussions focused on the organization and responsibilities of the suggested new team of Commissioners.

President Roberta Metsola stated after the meeting that they are entering a crucial phase of thorough parliamentary review for the new College of Commissioners. She mentioned that Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) will meticulously assess the nominees for Commissioner roles in public hearings. While they aim to carry out this vetting process promptly, Metsola emphasized that the MEPs will not compromise on thoroughness, as they have a responsibility to their citizens.

In line with the broader overhaul of Parliament's internal procedures sanctioned in April 2024, the updated Rules of Procedures, effective from July 2024, grant Parliament an enhanced role in the formation of the new College of Commissioners.

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Today's presentation initiates the confirmation hearing process, which will begin once Parliament has received all the required documents.

The declarations of interests submitted by the Commissioners-designate will be examined by the Committee on Legal Affairs. This evaluation is a crucial step that must take place before the confirmation hearings can be conducted.

The answers provided by each Commissioner-designate to the written inquiries from the Parliament will be made available on the Parliament’s website before the confirmation hearing.

The confirmation hearings will be arranged by the Conference of Presidents following advice from the Conference of Committee Chairs. Each nominated Commissioner will be asked to attend a three-hour session with the relevant committee or committees. For portfolios that are especially extensive or intricate, requiring the involvement of multiple committees, the session may extend to four hours. These hearings will be available to watch live online.

Lawmakers will assess the nominated Commissioners by reviewing their overall abilities, dedication to Europe, and individual independence. They will also evaluate their understanding of the relevant portfolio and their ability to communicate effectively.

Following the confirmation hearing, the committee coordinators will assess each Commissioner-designate and draft an evaluation letter for each one. For a Commissioner-designate to gain approval, coordinators from political groups representing at least two-thirds of the committee members must agree. If this majority is not achieved, further information may be sought through additional written questions or by conducting another hearing session lasting 1.5 hours.

The assessment letters are sent to the Conference of Presidents, who can then announce the end of the confirmation hearings and permit the release of all evaluation letters.

After the confirmation hearings go well, the President-elect will introduce the College of Commissioners and their agenda to Parliament during a full session. This will be followed by a discussion and a vote to approve or disapprove the entire Commission, requiring a majority of the votes cast in a roll call.

Context

According to Rule 129 in the European Parliament's Rules of Procedure, the method for electing the Commission is detailed.

According to Annex VII of the European Parliament's Rules of Procedure, it outlines the Parliament's responsibilities in both sanctioning the European Commission and keeping track of the promises made during the confirmation hearings.

Contact Information:

Delphine Colard

Jüri Laas

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