European Parliament to Decide on Commissioner Hearings Start Date
- Senior MEPs are considering two potential start dates for the confirmation hearings of European Commission nominees.
- The November 4 date is favored as it allows for a more thorough evaluation of the nominees' qualifications.
- The decision will affect the timeline for the new European Commission's start date, emphasizing the need for proper democratic procedures.
The European Parliament is set to decide on the start date for confirmation hearings of 26 nominees for the European Commission, with options for October 14 or November 4. Senior MEPs are leaning towards the November date, as the October timeline is deemed unfeasible for thorough evaluations of the nominees' qualifications. The hearings are crucial for MEPs to question the nominees and potentially vote on their approval. The outcome of this decision will impact the timeline for the new Commission's start date, which is currently scheduled for December 1 if the November hearings are chosen. The Conference of Committee Chairs, led by Bernd Lange, will recommend a date to the Conference of Presidents, which will make the final decision. The pressure to expedite the process is acknowledged, but many MEPs emphasize the importance of proper democratic procedures and thorough scrutiny of the nominees.