EU Commission Hearings: A Closer Look at the Selection Process and Candidates

The European Commission is currently selecting and confirming new commissioners, with the process expected to proceed smoothly. However, the hearings can still yield unexpected results. Each candidate, referred to as a commissioner-designate, undergoes hearings in the European Parliament (EP), where Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) evaluate their qualifications, policy positions, and ethical standards. This thorough review is essential to ensure that each candidate is suitable for their role in the EU's executive branch while maintaining the overall schedule for the transition.

Once the hearings conclude, the Conference of Committee Chairs will compile the findings and send them to the Conference of Presidents for a final evaluation based on committee recommendations. The Conference of Presidents is expected to officially close the hearings on November 21, after which the evaluation letters will be published, marking a crucial step toward confirming the new Commission.

Following this, Commission President-elect Ursula von der Leyen will present the full College of Commissioners to the European Parliament in a plenary session. This session will include a debate with MEPs, and at least one-twentieth of MEPs can propose a motion for a resolution, allowing them to voice any final concerns. A final vote on the entire Commission is scheduled for the morning of November 27 in Strasbourg, requiring a majority for approval. If everything goes according to plan, the new Commission is set to begin its work in the first week of December, following a timeline similar to that of 2019.

So far, most political groups seem satisfied with the new Commission, favouring stability over extensive scrutiny. In contrast to 2019, when two commissioner-designates did not pass their hearings, no candidates have been rejected thus far. The hearings this time have focused more on avoiding delays than on exhaustive reviews. Should any candidates be rejected, member states would need to propose replacements, potentially pushing final approval into January.

Some candidates are anticipated to receive more scrutiny than others, particularly Stéphane Séjourné and Magnus Brunner. Brunner, in particular, has sparked debate with his views on migration, notably his support for Poland’s recent decision to restrict entries for certain migrants. The timing of the hearings can also be strategic; accepting center-right nominees early allows them to build leverage in negotiations with center-left candidates still undergoing hearings.

Regarding candidates’ priorities, Henna Virkkunen from Finland aims to introduce legislation to foster artificial intelligence (AI) development, aiming to replicate the ambition of the EU's €43 billion Chips Act. Ekaterina Zaharieva of Bulgaria emphasizes the creation of a comprehensive strategy for European life sciences, while Maria Luís Albuquerque from Portugal advocates for maintaining global bank capital standards established by the Basel III accords. Valdis Dombrovskis from Latvia supports linking EU funding to reforms, and Christophe Hansen of Luxembourg focuses on implementing existing laws to drive sustainable food systems. Costas Kadis of Cyprus highlights a commitment to balancing fishing industry interests with environmental protection, while Hadja Lahbib from Belgium addresses challenges in health crisis management without directly discussing HERA’s future.

Other candidates include Teresa Ribera from Spain, who proposes swift state aid for the Clean Industrial Deal, and Jessika Roswall from Sweden, reaffirming her dedication to supporting agriculture and bioeconomy sectors. Stéphane Séjourné of France commits to reviewing the scrutiny of foreign subsidies impacting EU public procurement, while Olivér Várhelyi from Hungary remains ambiguous about advancing front-of-pack health labels, preferring a non-legislative approach. The candidates will present their strategies and respond to inquiries from MEPs in early November, marking a significant moment in shaping the EU's future policies.

The timeline is tight, and any delays could postpone the new Commission's start date to early next year. Ensuring a timely transition is crucial for efficiently tabling upcoming working plans and initiatives.