The hearings of the Commissioners for the new Commission begin today in the European Parliament. Which candidates might be rejected and what consequences would this have?

From today until November 12, the new Commissioners, men and women, will go through an “interrogation” in the European Parliament. In order to take up their duties, the approval of MEPs is necessary. Each hearing in Brussels lasts three hours, during which each of the 26 Commissioner-designates is asked to answer persistent questions from MEPs, representing eight groups from across the political spectrum.

Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is counted as the 27th Commissioner. She has been approved as the head of the Commission by another procedure in the Plenary of the European Parliament in Strasbourg in July, so she does not have to go through the current hearings. If all goes well and some candidates are not rejected (which is not impossible, but not usual), Ursula von der Leyen’s new Commission will take office on 1 December.

What are candidates allowed to ask?

In their quest to identify weak points, MEPs have the right to question everything. They can ask for clarifications about the candidates’ professional career and financial interests, investigate dark aspects in their CV, ask for explanations about ethical issues. Among other things, the candidate’s ability to answer with clarity and self-control is evaluated.

The audition follows strict rules and provides a specific speaking time for everyone. After the conclusion of the debate, the MEPs of the competent Committee are invited to vote and approve each candidate with a two-thirds majority.

If someone is not approved, MEPs ask the country that nominated him to choose another candidate. But he too will have to go through an audition, with the same procedure.

Since 2004, in a “show of force” against the European Commission, the Parliament has rejected six Commissioner candidates. The first was the ultra-conservative Italian Rocco Bottiglione, who had been criticized for his homophobic stance when he declared that homosexuals “are not criminals, but sinners”. In 2019, the candidate French Commissioner, Sylvie Goulard, who had been accused of sham employment in an American political institution, was also rejected.

Who are the “least sure” candidates?

Could some candidates be rejected this time as well? As is heard in Brussels, the “crosshairs” of the MEPs is mainly the Hungarian candidate Oliver Varkheli, as he is considered completely loyal to Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. Until now, Vargheli was Commissioner for Enlargement, and now he is called upon to take on the minor portfolio of Animal Health and Protection.

If Varkheli is indeed rejected, Viktor Orbán could open another front with the EU, delaying the proceedings behind the scenes for many weeks or even months. Either by not nominating another candidate or by nominating someone who is considered equally unsuitable.

Beyond: Belgium’s liberal foreign minister Hadja Lakhbib, who has been nominated for the new portfolio of crisis management and natural disaster response, is seen as certain to gather fire from populists and the far-right in the European Parliament. The process is also considered unpredictable for the candidate from Bulgaria, Ekaterina Zaharieva, who as foreign minister in her country was allegedly involved in a scandal of illegal granting of citizenship. Glenn Micallef from Malta may also face problems, as many do not consider the political experience he has gained as director of the office of the Maltese prime minister to be sufficient.

There were serious doubts in the past about the Italian candidate, Raffaele Fito, as he, like Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, comes from the far-right “Brothers of Italy” party. It is assumed that the Parliament will face him with a critical attitude, but in the end it will not dare to reject Meloni’s candidate, who, after all, in Brussels has renounced her “extreme” image and advocates a rather pro-European policy.

What is new about the new Commission?

For her second term, Ursula von der Leyen is attempting a restructuring of the portfolios with redistribution of responsibilities. The main priority is no longer dealing with climate change, as was the case in her first term, but strengthening the European economy. New portfolios are envisaged for Defence, Housing, the Mediterranean and Animal Protection.

The audition process can be stressful, but it’s worth it. Especially if one considers that the Commissioner’s basic salary is 26,000 euros gross, while the President of the Commission is paid 31,800 gross. These fees do not include gifts and allowances. Probably better compared to German Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s salary, which is up to 32,000, but that figure includes all sorts of extras.

Edited by: Yiannis Papadimitriou