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EU Commission Candidate Vetting
The European Parliament will question 26 candidates for top positions in the new European Commission, with several facing potential challenges due to political affiliations and past controversies.
Albanian
Germany
PoliticsElectionsGermany European UnionGovernmentAppointments
European ParliamentEuropean CommissionHungarian Government
Ursula Von Der LeyenViktor OrbanOliver VarhelyiHajja LahbibEkaterina Zaharieva
- What role might Viktor Orban play in the confirmation process?
- Viktor Orban's influence is significant. Rejecting the Hungarian candidate could delay the new Commission's start, potentially for weeks or months, as he may refuse to send a suitable replacement.
- What happens if a candidate is rejected by the European Parliament?
- If a candidate fails the vetting process, their nominating country must propose a replacement. The Parliament has rejected candidates six times since 2004, demonstrating its power of oversight.
- What is the process for vetting candidates for the European Commission?
- The European Parliament will question 26 candidates for high-level positions in the new European Commission. Each candidate will face three hours of questioning from eight groups of MEPs to assess their suitability.
- Which candidates are expected to face the most scrutiny during the vetting process?
- Several candidates face potential challenges, including Oliver Varhelyi (Hungary), whose ties to Viktor Orban are a concern; Hajja Lahbib (Belgium) and Ekaterina Zaharieva (Bulgaria), both facing potential opposition; and Glenn Micallef (Malta), whose experience is questioned.
- What are some key changes or new focuses in the structure of the new European Commission?
- The new European Commission features new portfolios such as Defense, Animal Welfare, Housing, and the Mediterranean, reflecting a shift in priorities. Commissioner salaries are around 26,000 euros gross per month.