The European Parliament began holding the hearings for the newly designated European commissioners

The European Parliament (PE) has accepted José Manuel Barroso’s candidacy for the next term as President of the European Commission (EC) in September 2009. The next step toward establishing the new Commission is the series of hearing through which the commissioner-designates appointed by each member states must prove their abilities to lead the portfolio assigned to them in front of their respective parliamentary committee.

The MEPs asses the commissioner-designee’s general abilities, their expertise in their specific field as well as their independence and European commitment. The future commissioners must only serve the European interest; they must act regardless of national or political origins. The assent procedure starts with public hearing held by each commission of the EP for the commissioner-designate in its field followed by a vote in the plenary sitting of the EP on the 26th of January. The new commission can start its work on the 1st of February in case the house votes for its acceptance.

More information: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/hearings/default.htm?language=en