EP questions the new European Commission
Brussels, 5 /01/ 2010- Ararat News-Publishing (ANP) - The European Parliament has scheduled its hearings of the newly nominated 26 Commissioners to begin on 11 January and end on 19 January. Each candidate represents one member country and one portfolio (domain of activity). The final vote on the full Commission is planned for the January mini plenary session in Brussels.
European Parliament President Jerzy Buzek said: "I am happy that President Barroso has acted swiftly in allocating the portfolios to the Commissioners-designate. The European Parliament is well prepared and ready to hold in-depth hearings to scrutinize their suitability for these important EU positions."
The hearings will last three hours each and every commissioner should defend his portfolio in the respective parliamentary committee. The MEPs have already prepared written questions to the candidates for commissioners, but they will also ask oral questions during the hearings next week.
Parliament evaluates the Commissioners-designate on the basis of their general competence, European commitment and personal independence. It also takes into consideration their knowledge of the prospective portfolio and their communication skills. Parliament takes particular account of the need for gender balance.
Lastly, Parliament will votes on 26 January on approval of the whole European Commission as a body. If the MEPs don’t approve the Commission as it is designated now, its president José Manuel Barroso will be obliged to change some of the candidates.
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