European Parliament to Commence Rigorous Hearings for Commissioners-Designate Starting 4 November

Hearings for the Commissioners-designate by the European Parliament are set to commence on November 4.

On Wednesday, the President of the European Parliament and political group leaders, collectively known as the Conference of Presidents, finalized the schedule for these hearings.

The hearings are scheduled to commence on November 4th and will continue through November 12th. The Conference of Presidents has also allocated duties to various committees for the confirmation hearings. The exact timetable, specifying when each Commissioner-designate will be heard, will be determined by the Conference of Presidents in their upcoming meeting.

The European Parliament requests that Commissioners-designate attend hearings conducted by the relevant committees to evaluate their qualifications and appropriateness for the positions they have been appointed to.

Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, stated that the hearings for the proposed Commissioners are crucial for European democracy. She emphasized that Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) will rigorously assess each candidate's qualifications, independence, and dedication to Europe prior to casting their votes on the entire Commission. Metsola assured that the democratic process will be thorough and uncompromising. She acknowledged that a new legislative term brings fresh expectations and noted that citizens are rightfully seeking answers to their issues. Metsola affirmed that the European Parliament will persist in its efforts to ensure the European Union meets the needs of its people.

The process

Before the hearings begin, the Parliament’s Legal Affairs Committee reviews the designated Commissioners’ statements of interests. Commissioners-designate are only allowed to participate in the hearings if no conflicts of interest are identified.

The evaluation of a Commissioner-designate can differ based on their portfolio. They may be reviewed by a single parliamentary committee or by several committees combined. Additionally, other committees can be invited to join the process, allowing them to ask questions orally. However, the ultimate decision on the candidates is made by the coordinators of the primary committee(s) involved.

After the hearings, the committee chair and the representatives (coordinators) from different committees will convene to evaluate if a Commissioner-designate is suitable to join the College and perform the specific responsibilities they have been given.

After all the hearings have been finished, the Committee Chairs' Conference will review the results and pass their findings to the Presidents' Conference. This group will then make the ultimate assessment and determine if the hearings should be concluded.

Selection of the Commission during the full assembly

Following the conclusion of the hearings, Ursula von der Leyen, the President-elect of the Commission, will introduce the complete College of Commissioners along with its agenda in a plenary session.

After her statement, a debate will ensue, and any political faction or at least five percent of the Members of Parliament can propose a resolution.

The entire Commission must obtain approval from Parliament, requiring a majority of the votes cast through a roll-call vote.

After being chosen by Parliament, the Commission is officially confirmed by the European Council through a qualified majority vote.

Context

Annex VII of the European Parliament's Rules of Procedure outlines the responsibilities of Parliament in endorsing the European Commission and overseeing the pledges made during the hearings.

Contact Information:

Delphine Colard

Neil Corlett

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