European Parliament (EP) leaders held discussions with the Commission President-elect Ursula von der Leyen regarding the structure and portfolios of the
proposed new College of Commissioners. The exchange, initiated by EP President Roberta Metsola, marks the start of the parliamentary scrutiny process for the new team of Commissioners.
"We are entering a critical phase of parliamentary scrutiny for the new College of Commissioners," President Metsola stated following the meeting. "MEPs will rigorously examine each Commissioner-designate during public hearings. While we aim to complete the process efficiently, we will not rush it. Our citizens are counting on us to ensure this vetting process is thorough."
As part of reforms to Parliament's internal procedures, which took effect in July 2024, the European Parliament now plays an enhanced role in establishing the new College of Commissioners.
Next Steps in the Process
With today's discussions complete, the path is set for the confirmation hearing process, once Parliament receives all necessary documentation.
The Committee on Legal Affairs will first review the declarations of interests of each Commissioner-designate, which is a required step before the hearings can proceed. Responses to written questions from the Parliament will also be published online prior to the hearings.
The Conference of Presidents will organize the hearings, based on recommendations from the Conference of Committee Chairs. Each Commissioner-designate will appear before the relevant parliamentary committees for a three-hour confirmation hearing. In cases of complex portfolios, hearings may last up to four hours. All hearings will be livestreamed.
Parliament will evaluate the candidates based on their competence, European commitment, independence, and knowledge of their assigned portfolios, as well as their communication abilities.
After the hearings, committee coordinators will draft an evaluation letter for each Commissioner-designate. A 2/3 majority approval from committee coordinators is required to approve a candidate. If consensus is not reached, additional questions or an extended hearing may be required.
Once the evaluation letters are submitted, the Conference of Presidents will close the hearing process and publish the evaluations.
Following successful hearings, the President-elect will present the full College of Commissioners and their agenda to the Parliament's plenary, where a debate will take place. A roll-call vote will then determine whether to approve or reject the entire Commission.