EP leaders formally conclude the hearings process of Commissioners-designate | News

Today, the Conference of Presidents of the European Parliament (President Metsola and political group leaders) officially concluded the hearings process of the Commissioners-designate paving the way for the plenary vote on the new Commission at noon.

This follows the review by the Conference of Committee Chairs (on 26 November) of the results of all hearings. Based on these conclusions, the Conference of Presidents conducted a final assessment analysing the evaluation letters from the committees in charge and the recommendations provided by the Conference of Committee Chairs. As a result, the Conference of Presidents declared the hearings closed and authorised the publication of all evaluation letters.

Plenary vote on 27 November

The plenary vote on the new College as a whole will take place today, 27 November, at noon in Strasbourg.

Before the vote, MEPs will debate the programme of the new Commission with its President Ursula von der Leyen who will present the College of Commissioners. To wind up the debate, any political group or at least one-twentieth of MEPs could submit a motion for a resolution.

For the Commission to be elected, it must secure a simple majority of the votes cast during a roll-call vote.

Once the Parliament elects the Commission, it will be formally appointed by the European Council, which acts by a qualified majority. Once appointed, the term of the new European Commission should start on 1 December 2024.

Background

Annex VII of the EP Rules of Procedure specifies Parliament’s role in approving the European Commission and monitoring the commitments made during the hearings.

Current Rules of Procedures (in force as of July 2024) have been amended on 10 April 2024, as part of the wider reform of Parliament’s internal working methods, as endorsed by the Conference of Presidents in December 2023.