The new European Commission’s oral presentations began, with candidates facing scrutiny from Members of Parliament. Key figures include Kaja Kallas advocating for Ukraine support and Raffaele Fitto defending his far-right ties. Stéphane Séjourné must prove his capabilities in a crucial industrial strategy role amid trade tensions. Other candidates, like Teresa Ribera, are expected to face intense questioning. Despite challenges, analysts predict all commissioners will be approved, although concerns linger for Hungarian Oliver Varhelyi.
European Commission’s Grand Oral Begins
The prominent figures of the new European Commission commenced their much-anticipated oral presentations before Parliament on Tuesday. Raffaele Fitto from Italy is under scrutiny due to his ties with far-right politics, while France’s Stéphane Séjourné must demonstrate his capability for a significant strategic role.
Over the course of at least three hours, the six candidates vying for vice-presidential positions in the Brussels executive will face questioning from Members of the European Parliament (MEPs). Their presentations will determine whether they secure approval in an upcoming vote.
Key Presentations and Political Dynamics
Kicking off the presentations are Kaja Kallas, the new head of European diplomacy and former Prime Minister of Estonia, alongside Raffaele Fitto, who is responsible for territorial cohesion. Kallas initiated her address by urging the European Union to continue robust support for Ukraine, emphasizing the need for military, financial, and humanitarian aid, “for as long as necessary.”
Fitto asserted, “I am not here to represent a political party or a member state, but to affirm my commitment to Europe.” His appointment has sparked debate, particularly among leftist and centrist factions, who are grappling with the implications of a vice-presidency being awarded to a member of Fratelli d’Italia, the far-right party led by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
Italian centrist Sandro Gozi (Renew) expressed concerns, stating, “This vice-presidency is delicate and will provoke a lot of discussions.” The political environment remains tense, as any attempt to undermine a rival could lead to backlash during the auditions of candidates from the same political camp.
Stéphane Séjourné, representing the center, is scheduled to present before parliamentarians at 2:30 PM (1:30 PM GMT). Known for his previous discreet role as foreign minister, the 39-year-old will need to prove his readiness to handle the expansive industrial strategy portfolio he has recently acquired. He was appointed unexpectedly by President Emmanuel Macron in mid-September, after initial plans to reappoint Thierry Breton changed.
His new role is particularly critical given the current trade tensions with China and the potential for increased tariffs under a Donald Trump-led U.S. administration. During his audition, Séjourné is likely to face tough questions regarding the controversial EU-Mercosur free trade agreement, which has faced opposition from France but seems to be supported by the Commission.
According to Dutch MEP Dirk Gotink (EPP, right), “It will be fine for Séjourné; he is intelligent and familiar with Parliament.” Meanwhile, the auditions for other candidates, such as Romanian Roxana Minzatu (social affairs) and Finnish Henna Virkkunen (digital sovereignty), are expected to be less contentious.
However, Spanish Minister Teresa Ribera, now overseeing ecological transition and competition, will likely face intense scrutiny from right-wing factions. Given her position in the wake of severe flooding in Spain, her responses on nuclear energy policy could become a focal point for her critics.
French socialist Christophe Clergeau remarked, “She will be attacked,” but added, “if the EPP targets Ribera, we will retaliate against the entire commission during the vote on November 27.” This vote will be pivotal for the new executive team, which is set to take office in early December.
Following the presentations, analyst Sophia Russack from the Centre for European Policy Studies suggests that there may be further inquiries or requests for additional hearings. Despite the challenges, she believes all commissioners will ultimately pass, as the EPP holds substantial influence and social democrats are unlikely to jeopardize Ribera’s position.
So far, nineteen commissioners have been approved by deputies, with only Hungarian Oliver Varhelyi (health and animal welfare) still awaiting a decision regarding his fate after facing criticism for his evasive responses on women’s reproductive rights and LGBT+ issues. In the past, three commissioners, including France’s Sylvie Goulard, have been rejected.