It’s time for another update of my EU timeline. The European Parliament today agreed dates for the hearings of the Commissioner-designates. As President Metsola just announced, the hearings will start on 4 November and take place until 12 November:
Parliament’s decision to hold the meetings in early November (instead of mid-October) means that the new Commission won’t be ready by 1 November, which was the intended start date. Early December now looks more likely, although this plan could slip further if Parliament decides to reject one or more candidates.
The Parliament now plans to send written questionnaires to the Commissioners-designate by 10 October, and expects returns by 22 October.
If the hearings go well, Parliament could hold a vote to confirm the College of Commissioners in the plenary week of 25-28 November.
Fabian Bohnenberger 