European Parliament delays commissioner hearings amid scheduling issues

The European Parliament is facing significant scheduling challenges that threaten to delay the hearings for the new European Commission. As the Parliament returns from summer recess, officials are realizing that the process of confirming the new commissioners is more complicated than anticipated. The hearings, which are essential for the approval of the Commission, are unlikely to begin until mid-October, pushing the final confirmation vote to late November at the earliest. This timeline means that the new Commission may not be operational until December. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is under pressure to achieve a gender-balanced Commission, but currently, only nine out of 26 nominees are women. Each member state nominates a commissioner, and the process requires extensive preparation and scrutiny. The hearings typically occur in Brussels, and relocating them to Strasbourg would complicate logistics further. The European Parliament's leadership is waiting for von der Leyen to present the proposed structure and portfolios of the new team before setting the hearing dates. The legal affairs committee must first complete its work before other committees can begin their evaluations. This sequential process adds to the delays, as any rejected candidates would require their countries to nominate alternatives, further extending the timeline. The situation is exacerbated by external pressures, including geopolitical issues such as Russia's war in Ukraine and the upcoming U.S. elections, which necessitate a functioning EU executive. The delays in the hearings could hinder the Commission's ability to address these pressing matters effectively.