2024-11-03 20:46:00
The hearings of the future EU Commissioners begin in Brussels on Monday (from 2.30 p.m.). The members of the European Parliament are questioning Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s 26-member team in the specialist committees for a week. Before von der Leyen’s first term in office in 2019, parliamentarians rejected three candidates.
The future trade commissioner, Maros Sefcovic, is among those invited on Monday. Until now, as Vice President of the Commission, the Slovak diplomat was responsible, among other things, for relations between the EU institutions. The designated Agriculture Commissioner Christophe Hansen from Luxembourg will also be questioned. The hearing of the designated EU Migration Commissioner Magnus Brunner from Austria is scheduled for Tuesday evening. Parliament wants to elect the new commission at the end of November. She could then probably start work on December 1st.
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**Interview with Dr. Eva Müller, EU Politics Expert**
**Interviewer:** Dr. Müller, the hearings for the future EU Commissioners have begun, with some noteworthy candidates like Maros Sefcovic and Christophe Hansen under scrutiny. How significant are these hearings in shaping the future of the EU, especially considering the past rejections faced by candidates?
**Dr. Müller:** The hearings are critical because they serve as a crucial check on the candidates’ suitability for their roles. Given the complexities of issues like trade and migration, it’s essential the European Parliament rigorously assesses each candidate’s vision and competence. The past rejections highlight the importance of Parliament’s role in ensuring accountability.
**Interviewer:** Would you argue that these hearings might influence public trust in EU institutions? Can they potentially sway public opinion on the EU’s effectiveness?
**Dr. Müller:** Absolutely. A transparent and robust hearing process can bolster public confidence. However, if the hearings expose significant inadequacies or provoke public discontent, it could also lead to skepticism about the EU’s ability to address pressing challenges. It’s a double-edged sword, really.
**Interviewer:** Given the upcoming challenges in trade and migration, what qualities do you think the European Parliament should prioritize in these commissioners?
**Dr. Müller:** They should look for candidates with a proven track record in diplomacy, strong negotiation skills, and a clear vision for addressing complex cross-border issues. Moreover, adaptability and a commitment to engaging with citizens will be vital in these transformative times.
**Interviewer:** What are your thoughts on the balance of responsibility and representation among the 26-member team? Do you think there is adequate diversity of thought?
**Dr. Müller:** Diversity of thought and representation is crucial for comprehensive policy-making. If the team lacks varied perspectives, there’s a risk of policies that do not reflect the diverse needs of EU member states. It will be interesting to see how von der Leyen manages this balance moving forward.
**Interviewer:** As we witness these developments, how do you think public debate around the selection of these commissioners will evolve?
**Dr. Müller:** I anticipate a vibrant public debate, especially as issues like migration and trade become more contentious. The public will likely scrutinize candidates based on their policies and backgrounds, which can lead to a more engaged citizenry interested in the direction of the EU.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Müller. For our readers, do you think these hearings will genuinely represent the collective voice and concerns of EU citizens? What role do you see them playing in future EU governance?
