Commission election marathon over

Article - Institutions - 11-02-2010 - 16:23

The election of the European Commission by 488 in favour to 137 opposed and 72 abstentions brings to an end almost 5 months of delay due to wrangles in the ratification of the Lisbon treaty. Commissioners propose EU legislation on everything from trade and transport and there was a sense of relief in Strasbourg after the vote Tuesday (10 February). MEPs can only vote to elect the Commission en masse rather than individually so problems with the first Bulgarian candidate delayed matters.

Read the rest MEPs quiz new Bulgarian candidate Kristalina Georgieva

Article - Institutions - 03-02-2010 - 17:53

The confirmation hearing of the last prospective European Commissioner, Kristalina Georgieva, took place at the European Parliament Wednesday afternoon. She faced questions on her suitability for the international cooperation, humanitarian aid and crisis response portfolio. Learning the lessons of the Haiti catastrophe and improving the EU's response to crisis were among the priorities she outlined to MEPs on the Development Committee. MEPs will vote on the full Commission 9 February.

Read the rest Hearings for new Commission - what's next?

Article - Institutions - 25-01-2010 - 15:33

With the 26 parliamentary hearings for the new European Commission completed it was just the Bulgarian candidate, Rumiana Jeleva, who was forced to withdraw. She will now be replaced by her compatriot Kristalina Georgieva who is currently Vice-President of the World Bank. Her hearing with MEPs will be on Wednesday 3 February. These changes push back the approval vote on the whole Commission for 9 February.

Read the rest Tuesday's hearings: Malmström and Damanaki

Article - Institutions - 19-01-2010 - 18:46

On Tuesday morning MEPs questioned Swedish nominee Cecilia Malmström and Greek Maria Damanaki. On the latter's fisheries brief she said that environmentally sustainable fishing and fishing incomes were priorities. Ms Malmström said that it was time to evaluate piecemeal decisions of the past and to develop justice and home affairs policies more consistently. She underlined that no country could deal with challenges such as terrorism or immigration alone.

Read the rest Buzek: “the democratic process is working” as one Commission candidate falls

Article - Institutions - 19-01-2010 - 16:20

Speaking to journalists following the decision of the Bulgarian government to withdraw Rumiana Jeleva as commissioner-designate, Parliament President Jerzy Buzek said the democratic process was working and indicated the next steps of the procedure.

Read the rest Late-night grill: Round up of Tajani and Šefčovič hearings

Article - Institutions - 19-01-2010 - 12:49

Monday evening saw Italian Antonio Tajani and Slovak Maroš Šefčovič face a grilling from MEPs on their respective European Commission portfolio's of industry and entrepreneurship and inter-institutional relations and Administration. Tajani pledged to support small businesses and Šefčovič the need to get the citizens' initiative up and running and cooperate better with national parliaments.

Read the rest Some of the atmosphere from this week's hearings

Article - Institutions - 15-01-2010 - 18:11

This week the European Parliament's József Antall building in Brussels was the centre of intense grilling of potential future commissioners. Questions for the candidates ranged on everything from the views, policies, political convictions to financial affairs. Here's a taster of the atmosphere generated in this exceptional week.

Read the rest Agriculture and Climate commissioner designates face MEPs questions Friday

Article - Institutions - 15-01-2010 - 17:30

The key Commission jobs of Agriculture and Climate were under the spotlight Friday 15 January as MEPs grilled Romanian Dacian Cioloş and Dane Connie Hedegaard on their abilities. Members from all parties in the Parliament probed the likely direction both candidates would push their departments in the coming years. Mr Cioloş called himself a reformer and Ms Hedegaard stressed the need for EU members to implement existing EU environmental legislation.

Read the rest Round up of Thursday hearings

Article - Institutions - 15-01-2010 - 15:49

Thursday saw MEPs grill six prospective European Commissioners on their priorities and competences. They were Siim Kallas on transport, Günther Oettinger on energy, Androulla Vassiliou on education, John Dalli on health, Johannes Hahn for regional policy and Neelie Kroes for the digital agenda.

Read the rest Wednesday’s round-up: Andor, Barnier, Geoghegan-Quinn, Potočnik

Article - Institutions - 14-01-2010 - 11:19

Employment, internal market, research and environment Commissioner nominees were quizzed by MEPs on their priorities during the third day of the hearings. László Andor said avoiding job losses in the midst of crisis would be a priority, whilst Michel Barnier called for smart and efficient regulation of Europe's financial sector. Máire Geoghegan-Quinn emphasized the role of innovation in EU policy and Janez Potočnik focused on implementing environmental legislation.

Read the rest