Ekaterina Zakharieva's Hearing at EP Set for November 5
- Ekaterina Zaharieva, Bulgaria's candidate for European Commissioner, will be heard by the European Parliament's Committee on Industry, Research and Energy on November 5.
- The hearings for European Commissioner candidates are scheduled from November 4 to 12, with a vote on the new commission planned for November 25 to 28.
- Bulgaria's nomination of Zaharieva as the sole candidate reflects its compliance with the European Commission's recommendation for gender-balanced nominations.
On October 10, 2024, it was announced that Ekaterina Zaharieva, Bulgaria's candidate for European Commissioner, will undergo a hearing by the European Parliament's Committee on Industry, Research and Energy on November 5. This hearing is part of a series of evaluations for candidates, which will take place from November 4 to 12. The European Parliament plans to vote on the new commission's composition between November 25 and 28, 2024. Bulgaria's nomination process was notable as it was the only EU member state to fulfill the European Commission's recommendation to nominate both a male and female candidate. The Bulgarian government selected Zaharieva and Yuliyan Popov, but following interviews, EC President Ursula von der Leyen requested that Zaharieva be designated as the sole candidate. Zaharieva's background includes significant political experience, having served as Deputy Prime Minister for Judicial Reform and Minister of Foreign Affairs, among other roles. Her nomination for the position of European Commissioner for Startups, Science, and Innovation highlights her expertise in these areas. The upcoming hearing will last three hours, and if additional questions arise, a repeat hearing may be scheduled. This process underscores the importance of thorough evaluations for candidates in the European Commission, ensuring that they meet the necessary qualifications and support from the Members of the European Parliament.