Hearings live blog: McGrath, Zaharieva, Jørgensen, Šuica, Roswall, Brunner

Today’s full day of hearings runs from 9:00 AM until 9:30 PM. On the agenda, MEPs will question Ireland’s Michael McGrath, Bulgaria’s Ekaterina Spasova Gecheva-Zaharieva, Denmark’s Dan Jørgensen, Croatia’s Dubravka Šuica, Sweden’s Jessika Roswall, and Austria’s Magnus Brunner.

For yesterday’s coverage of the hearings of Šefčovič, Micallef, Hansen and Tzitzikostas read our finished live blog here.

21:59 Roswall also ends: For the last time, be specific

After a long night of evasive answers and deferrals, German S&D MEP Tiemo Wölken pressured Roswall to finally provide clear answers on her plans to stop biodiversity loss in the EU. “Europe’s carbon sinks [these are nature areas that absorb more carbon dioxide than they emit] are not meeting 2030 targets; net removals have been shrinking rapidly in recent years, and areas that have high biodiversity, such as old growth forests, peatlands, and marshlands, are shrinking even faster,” he said. “What concrete actions will you take to reverse the loss of carbon sinks? Please be specific; it is your last chance today,” he implored. “And which public finances will you mobilise?”, he added. “Please do not refer to nature carbon credits,” he said. “I’m talking about public funds.”

In her answer, she did not offer details on her plans to stop biodiversity loss; she said she would propose new measures, if necessary. Roswall said she would also push for a top-up of the EU budget to raise public funds for biodiversity. As a finisher, she said: “I hope you have found me credible; that is why I am asking you for your trust.”

That's it! The Swedish candidate brings Tuesday's hearings to a close.

21:55 Brunner's hearing ends: EU swerves right on migration

While often short on detail, Brunner will likely sail through the hearing and secure the support of MEPs. He was constantly pressed on migration and asylum, on future proposals on return hubs, as well as the European Parliament’s role to scrutinise any future cash-for-migrant deals.

He may have diverged from the script when he suggested the EU could fund border fences. But overall, he appeared relaxed and was able to field numerous questions. At one point, an MEP tried to rattle him by calling into question his competence as Austria’s finance minister. It didn’t stick.

Brunner ended his grilling with a summary overview of his priorities, starting from security to migration. Despite the niceties and his diplomatic responses, the underlying assumption is that the European Union is taking a turn away from the values it claims to defend. Brunner will be helping to forge that new path with the likely complicit head nod of a European Parliament that has swung to the right.

In his closing statement, Brunner said people told him that his commission portfolio is a mission impossible. His key takeaway claim - MEPs' passion for solutions. “I believe, actually in the positive attitude, in the positive approach in a better future,” he said.

And that's all from Austria's commission wannabe.

21:44 Brunner: Legal migration is a cash issue

Brunner says the EU needs legal migration “because otherwise we will start lagging behind, or lag even more behind when it comes to competitiveness, which is already a risk at present.”

21:31 Brunner: European search and rescue?

Asked if he would commit to a European strategy for search and rescue operations, Brunner pivoted towards the need to strengthen the EU’s border agency, Frontex. “In 2023 Frontex supported over 40,000 people, helped rescue them at sea,” he says. Short answer: No.

21:27 Roswall: 'I will get back to you'

Roswall keeps reiterating the importance of environmental and biodiversity policies, but her responses rarely go beyond surface-level statements. She gives few details of future plans and frequently deflects MEPs' questions with promises to "get back to them," leaving key issues unresolved.

21:18 Brunner: Internal border checks?

The European Commission's claims that internal border checks are only temporary is a running joke. The commission has, time and again, claimed these must be proportional. Despite the EU institution receiving over 400 notifications over the years, it has only ever once raised a flag. Few take the commission’s claim to protect the Schengen free-travel zone seriously. Brunner, when pressed on the issue, can’t be taken seriously either. “You want figures. I can’t give you those today. I may be able to do so in the future,” he said after an MEP asked whether he could guarantee that internal border checks won’t be become a permanent feature. Don’t count on it.

21:03 Brunner: Transparency and future EU deals with autocrats?

Dutch Green MEP Anna Strolenberg asks if Brunner would commit to informing the European Parliament before making any cash-for-migrant deals with other countries. The question was asked, in part, given the European Commission’s track record of sidelining the European Parliament on this issue. Earlier this year, the commission bypassed the parliament’s scrutiny role on €1bn of loans sent to Egypt. “You will be involved. There will be transparency, and the parliament will be involved,” says Brunner.

21:00 Roswall: Nature credits? 'It’s complicated'

German centre-right MEP Norbert Lins asked Roswall how she would expand the role of nature credits to help make it more attractive for farmers to restore nature. He also wanted to know what she would do to “make sure that nature credits will not be misused?”

Roswall said that credits will be “an important part of the EU’s biodiversity strategy". “It is not easy to put a price on nature, but we all know that there is an economic value on doing the right thing for the ecosystem,” she said. Rewarding farmers that restore nature can work but “will be complicated,” she added, but said it was a “real possibility” for farmers and “part of the work I’m really looking forward to.”

20:53 Roswall: Circular economy – will we get an extended lifetime for televisions?

Czech non-attached MEP Ondřej Dostál asked if Europe’s upcoming circular economy initiatives would give us “televisions, dishwashers, or washing machines” with longer lifetimes. Unfortunately, Roswall did not make a firm commitment, but stated that regulations would be “very well implemented." This did not make Dostál look any less disappointed, however.

20:45 Brunner: Encryption and privacy

Estonian socialist MEP Marina Kaljurand poses key questions on data, privacy, and law-enforcement's obsession of cracking encryption. "Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety,” says Kaljurand, quoting Benjamin Franklin. Kaljurand asks how Brunner intends to maintain fundamental rights and protection of privacy and personal data, while expanding law enforcement access to data.

Brunner says the balance between security, data protection, and the right to privacy is a difficult question. “I’m a father of three children, and this is something that affects me as well. Where is the limitation? So you have to weigh this up,” he says.

20:44 Roswall: Unclear on water resilience plans

Renew MEP Ana Vasconcelos grilled the commissioner-designate on her water plans, wanting to know three things: “What is the expected timeline to deliver on the EU water resilience strategy? How do you plan to ensure that future EU funds avoid subsidy dependence and lead to sustainable progress in water governance? What mechanisms will you put in place to hold national authorities accountable for measurable outcomes in water management, ensuring EU investments lead to resilient water infrastructure across Europe?".

Roswall said that the timeline was “ASAP”, but said that that she would not be able to answer all questions. She also indicated she would work closely with other commissioners, and said that water resilience was a global issue where "the EU will lead." But she offered little detail on her plans to improve water resilience.

20:27 Brunner: Evidence-based legislation and Frontex?

Brunner says draft legislation needs to be evidence-based, fact-based, and data-based, but when pressed on whether he will carry out an impact assessment on the need to increase Frontex to 30,000 armed border guards, Brunner appeared evasive. “I can only reiterate that impact assessments are something I consider very important, where they are possible,” he says. Earlier, he said that impact assessment reports on legislative proposals were not a given.

20:19 Brunner: Migrant smugglers

Brunner says there is a need to tackle human smugglers and traffickers, a position the European Union has announced on an almost yearly basis for the past decade. Brunner is presenting ideas, including third-country partnerships and stepping up support for law enforcement authorities. Again, these are ideas that have been rehashed time and again over the past decade, but with little to show for it - except perhaps an increase of tragedies and rights violations.

20:14 Brunner: Bulgaria, Romania, and Schengen

Brunner says important talks need to continue for the full membership of Romania and Bulgaria into Schengen, a border-free travel zone spanning some 425 million residents. “I will continue to fight for Schengen to be completed,” he says.

20:04 Roswall: Much ado about competitiveness

Responding to a question about “excessive” green regulations stifling competitiveness of industries and businesses in Europe, Roswall referred back to former European Central Bank president Mario Drahgi’s near 400-word report on the subject. “His analysis is clear: There are a lot of rules, and the [regulatory] burden is too heavy in many ways,” said Roswall. “We need to make rules more efficient. But I do believe that there is a possibility to do it right,” she added, without offering details. “Competitiveness and the environment are two sides of the same coin," she said.

Draghi, in his report, wrote that while decarbonisation and competitiveness are complementary, this isn’t necessarily the case. “If we fail to coordinate our policies, there is a risk that decarbonisation could run contrary to competitiveness and growth,” he wrote on page two of his report.

20:01 Brunner: EU money for fences and walls?

Brunner drops a bomb. “Physical infrastructure, such as fences and walls could be financed by European funding,” he says. "But of course, we don’t have funds in place for that,” he adds. The European Commission has for years maintained that it won’t directly fund fences, given the historical allusions to Nazi-era camps.

19:57 Brunner at ease

Brunner is relaxed, fielding numerous questions from security to migration and asylum. He appears in command of the policies, at least comfortable enough to respond with some confidence on issues he’s never worked on before.

19:56 Brunner: Responsibility and solidarity?

Spanish socialist MEP Juan Fernando López Aguilar says tricky questions of responsibility and solidarity among EU states remain. Aguilar brings up relocations, a largely failed concept where member states voluntarily take in asylum seekers who arrive on external borders. Can you commit to solidarity, asks López. “It’s exactly a question of that balance, the balance between responsibility and solidarity. So we have to strike and maintain that balance,” counters Brunner. Brunner doesn’t mention “relocation”.

19:45 Roswall: Extreme floods in Europe are ‘new normal’

"The disaster of Spain is a tragedy for Spain and for Europe. The images have been heartbreaking,” she says. “Now is the time for all of Europe to show solidarity," she adds. "We have seen flooding in Europe for many years now,” she also says. Extreme floods are “the new normal” and they are a reminder that “the cost of doing nothing is very, very high".

19:44 Brunner: Return directive or return regulation?

Sweden's centre-right MEP Tomas Tobe, a key architect of the EU’s asylum reforms, presses Brunner on returns policy. “Are you willing to commit to presenting a new proposal for a strict regulation that will apply in all member states as an immediate action, if you are confirmed today,” says Tobe. Brunner did not say.

19:41 Brunner: Far-right’s 'anti-Christian hatred' theory

Poland’s far-right MEP Ewa Zajączkowska-Hernik blames NGOs for helping people cross into Europe to seek asylum, amid claims they make work for the EU’s border agency Frontex more difficult. Zajączkowska-Hernik also repeats a question by Leggeri on “anti-Christian hatred”, while alluding to debunked 'great replacement' conspiracy theories that migrants of different races pose an existential threat to European natives. “Each and every religion needs to be protected. Each religion has its worth, and this is something that we also have to consider,” says Brunner.

19:36 Brunner: Black hole on rights

Spanish left-wing MEP Estrella Galan describes the externalisation of migration as a “black hole on the rights of asylum seekers and those seeking international [protection]", in reference to Italy’s deal with Albania. Brunner responds with vague statements on the need for a “fair and robust migration policy”. Says he’s open to solutions that echo the Italy and Albania deal as part of a “whole-of-route approach”, in cooperation with countries abroad.

19:28 Brunner: Follow the rules? Sometimes

Belgian Green MEP Saskia Brickmont faults the European Commission for failing to study the impact of some bills in the past. Specifically, she asked if any such study would be conducted on the upcoming proposal on returns. Brunner says impact assessments, while important, cannot be guaranteed in each and every case on legislative initiatives over the next five years. Brickmont counters: “It’s not a question of importance. It’s a question of legality. It’s legal. It’s an obligation to do, to conduct an impact assessment".

19:25 Brunner: Will take member states to court over migration?

Brunner says he won’t hesitate to take a member state to court if it fails to implement the pact on asylum and migration. “The European Commission, obviously, is the guardian of the treaties. I’m a lawyer, as I mentioned during my introduction, and you can rest assured that if it is necessary, then obviously we will trigger the necessary proceedings,” he says, in response to questions posed by French liberal Fabienne Keller. She also posed a big question on Italy’s deal to send failed asylum seekers to Albania, and queries Brunner if this is a possible solution for similar accords in the future. "We have to take a look at this, we have to be open for new things,” he says.

19:23 Roswall: Will do my 'utmost' to implement nature restoration law

“If we lose nature, we lose resilience,” she said, adding: “and nature is important for the economy. Without nature we cannot move on competitiveness.” She also said that “simplification” and “reducing unnecessary burdens” are important, voicing core wishes of her boss, European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen. To simplify rules, Roswall suggested using “digitalisation” or “maybe AI”, but did not go into further details about how this might work.

19:18 Brunner: The return of returns

Belgium’s conservative vice-chair Assita Kanko goes back to returns and migration. Kanko asks when a proposal on returns will be expected and how will it differ from the current legislation. Brunner says any policy needs to protect people who have a right to asylum, but also needs to return those that do not. There first needs to be a “broad conversation” before putting forward any legislation, he adds. “We also need to have a digital system, so that we can have a simpler system for returns. We should also be able to have a better basis for cooperation with the countries to which the individuals need to be returned,” he says.

19:14 Roswall: '€160bn losses' due to environmental disasters

In the last three years alone, our member states have lost €160bn due to wildfires, droughts, and floods,” Roswall told MEPs. To prevent further degradation, she pledges to “fight to secure the necessary funding,” adding that “public funding alone will not be enough". To supplement government funds, she announced plans to explore “well-designed” nature credits, which promise to reward companies that protect biodiversity. Previous investigations into such schemes have revealed 90 percent do not reduce biodiversity and ecosystem loss. Roswall also pledges to "explore" carbon credits.

19:12 Brunner: ex-Frontex boss targets migrants, Islam, and NGOs

The former head of EU border agency Frontex and current right-wing French MEP Fabrice Leggeri gets his turn, posing loaded questions, amid claims that Europe is being “flooded by migrants”, as he rips into Islam and NGOs. “If you are not prepared to rid these agencies of these activists of NGOs, how would you stop these actors from stopping agencies from protecting European citizens,” says Leggeri. Brunner doesn’t take the bait. “NGOs play an important role in a number of areas, and it’s important that they comply with all the rules. That goes without saying,” he says.

19:06 Brunner: Return hubs

Italy’s socialist MEP Cecilia Strada asks the key question: “Can you commit today to excluding return hubs from any proposal you make to change EU rules?”. Brunner says there needs to be a fair and decisive approach to migration. “This [use of foreign hubs] will have to be done in a humane and in a legally sound manner and in collaboration with international partners,” he says, noting it would only apply to people whose applications for asylum had been refused. Brunner says it is “up to us to decide who can stay in the European Union and who has to leave”.

19:02 Roswall: Chemical industry laws in 2025

Roswall promises a chemical industry package in 2025, modernisation of REACH chemical-safety laws, and to “look into” the use of PFAS in consumer products, such as pans. “It is important to provide further clarity as soon as possible,” she says.

19:00 Roswall: Doesn’t sound like environment commissioner?

Roswall says that she went into politics to make a difference, and that since then she has “spoken up for consumer rights and the benefits of the single market.” “I want to ensure that our proposals create tangible benefit,“ she says. "My granddaughter has a future of clean air, fresh water, but also a future with economic opportunity, and clean industrial prosperity … and we can make that happen, because a competitive economy and a clean transition goes hand in hand", she adds.

18:58 Brunner: Security top priority

Germany’s centre-right MEP Lena Dupont opens up the questions, leading with security and crime. “I’d like to know what kind of instruments you feel that we should be developing in order to tackle this,” she asks. Brunner says security needs to be “our top priority” and lays out the context of a changing geopolitical landscape. Says he will, from the beginning of next year, “work on an overall strategy for internal security”, as well as a new action plan to combat drug trafficking.

18:55 Brunner: Migration as 'hybrid attack'

Brunner pivots to migration and references the pact on asylum and migration. He has yet to mention return hubs. Instead, he stresses the need to implement the pact, step up returns of rejected asylum seekers, find legal pathways for migrants, and deepen partnerships with foreign states.

The latter often means with despots and autocrats, leaving open the questions of abuse, as seen in Tunisia, Libya and Egypt and elsewhere. He also rehashes slogans on the need to protect borders and respect fundamental rights - an often vacuous statement that ignores widespread evidence of collective pushbacks.

Those pushbacks are often done in the name of countering "instrumentalisation" of migrants, a concept that Brunner also defends. “These are hybrid attacks, not only against Poland, Finland, the Baltic states, Baltic member states, but against all of us, against the whole of Europe,” he says.

18.53 Jessika Roswall's hearing also kicks off

Jessika Roswall, the wannabe commissioner for economy environment wants to bring “economic opportunities” for industry. Sweden's Roswall says that if she takes over as commissioner for the environment, water resilience, and 'competitive circular economy', she wants to “protect nature and climate”, but also hopes to bring “tangible benefits and show real economic opportunities for our industry.”

18:45 Brunner: Three principles

Brunner says three principles will guide his approach when dealing with the priorities of the next mandate: 1. Focus on preparedness and foresight 2. Drive to find solutions that are comprehensive and balanced 3. Pursuit of intense international cooperation.

18:44 Brunner: Honest broker

Brunner says he’ll be an “honest broker”, referencing his background as a lawyer and the respect for the rule of law. “I’m a firm believer in rules and in the need to respect them and also to enforce them. At the end of the day, I will never compromise on that, including when it comes to fundamental rights,” he says.

18.42 Magnus Brunner’s hearing starts: Gordian knot

Austria’s Brunner is hoping to secure his position as the European Commissioner for internal affairs and migration. When it comes to migration, his task will be more than challenging as it seeks to respond to a whole range of difficult questions that have eluded member states for years. The toxic politics surrounding migration and asylum, not least in his home country where the far-right secured a recent historic win, continues to gain ground. In his opening remarks, in excellent English, he paid respect to people who lost their lives the Spanish floods. “It is no secret that my professional focus so far has been on finance, on energy, on the budget, on economy, on strengthening competitiveness,” he told MEPs.

17:43 Jørgensen hearing is over

“[You] did not believe me when I said I was looking forward to these couple of hours. I have to admit I had some butterflies in my in my stomach, but I will say again, honestly, thank you so much for this exchange,” said Jørgensen in his closing speech.The future EU commissioner for energy and housing (if he is confirmed by the European Parliament), chose to dedicate the last part of his closing speech to Ukraine.

“People have lost their homes, people who've been living without the most necessary things that we consider ordinary parts of our lives, electricity, heating, and this goes on since March this year,” he said. “Ukraine has lost electricity capacity equal to that of the collective capacity of the Baltic countries. Since March, they've lost two thirds of the electricity capacity overall since the start of the war,” he added.

17:42 No questions on Šuica’s trips and meeting lobbyists

Šuica’s hearing ends with no questions about her travel or her failure to report meeting lobbyists. In her final remarks, she promised to continue collaborating closely with the European Parliament. And with that, her hearing is over.

17:37 On new nuclear power plants

Jørgensen says he does not believe that it is in the power of the EU to support new nuclear power development. “I am not going to be making any revolutions,[…] is not the job of the European Union to, in my view, use our funding to support, for instance, a new nuclear power plant,” he said. “The EU does fund nuclear activity, but that is primarily research and training, and I think that that is a sensible way of doing it,” he added.

17:36 Šuica’s request for repetition sparks uproar

After three hours of a hearing that had become quite monotonous, Šuica asked Spanish far-right MEP Hermann Tertsch (Patriots of Europe) to repeat his question about the deportation of child migrants from Morocco. This request sparked noise in the room, as many MEPs were unhappy to hear MEP repeat his 'question' — which had largely been a statement.

17:16 Reaction to Jørgensen electrification’s action plan

WindEurope chief policy officer Pierre Tardieu supported the electrification action plan put forward by the Danish commissioner-designate. Jørgensen's proposed Electrification Action Plan is exactly what Europe needs right now to continue on its path to carbon neutrality, said Tardieu. Although he noted that fossil fuels continue to be widely use in certain sectors. “We continue to utilise gas in our boilers and petrol in our cars, while other economic sectors are stagnating,” Tardieu said.

17:08 Jørgensen waiting on private funds to help EU housing crisis

Questioned on his action plan to finance the development of affordable housing, Jørgensen said that “no matter how much money the EU is able to find, public money, it can only always be an help to mobilise more private money.

“Because the need for investments in new housing to create affordable housing, to make sure it supplies where it needs to be — on European level is so big, that I don't think anybody imagines the European budget will carry that debt burden alone,” he added.

17:01 Middle East is ‘hot potato’ topic in the hearing

The Middle East has been one of the dominant topics during Šuica’s hearing. When asked about Europe’s "double standards", she insisted that there cannot be a two-state solution without Israel. But, earlier during the hearing, she also talked about the topic as a “hot potato”. Beyond not having unanimity in the EU Council, Šuica also said that the EU cannot suspend the trade deal with Israel “because this is the only basics on which we [Europe] can continue cooperation with Israel”.

“We need to keep open channels of communication with them", she said.

16:52 We need Morocco

When asked about how recent rulings will affect the possible partnership with Morocco, Šuica said that at the moment the commission is assessing the ruling from October.

But she remarked:  “We need a partnership with Morocco”. The opinion from the EU top court, which states that products from the disputed territory of Western Sahara must be labelled as the country of origin in the EU rather than Morocco, is the latest twist in a long-running lawfare suit at the EU's top court pitching the European Commission and Morocco against the Sahrawi independence movement. For more background, read Benjamin Fox's piece here.

16:51 Jørgensen supports an EU integrated energy system

“All countries, more or less in Europe, I can say all need to be a part of a well-functioning European system, integrated energy system,” Jørgensen said, replying to a Belgian MEP.

16:44 Making job titles longer - a win for the S&D

The S&D succeeded in “convincing” other political groups that “consumer protection” should be added to the title of the Irish commissioner Michael McGrath, Spanish MEP Laura Ballarin Cereza said on X.

"The internal market is the cornerstone of the European Union and we want the composition of the new commission to grant consumer protection the importance it deserves," she said. McGrath's original job title was EU commissioner designate for democracy, justice and the rule of law.

16:36 'Triple win' on energy cooperation

When talking about energy cooperation as part of partnerships with third countries in the Mediterranean region, Šuica talked of a “triple win” — mentioning the decarbonisation of these countries’ economies, securing new jobs in the area and helping European companies to be more competitive.

“In the end, it is about our European competitiveness … and at the same time helping in this part of the world,” she said, arguing that the EU can import cheaper energy from countries in the region.

16:17 Jørgensen’s plan to fight homelessness on the EU continent

An Irish MEP from the Socialists & Democrats, Aodhán Ó Ríordáin, asked the commissioner designate on his plan to fight homelessness and provide sufficient social affordable housing across the EU.

Jørgensen admitted the EU target to get rid of homelessness by 2030 is not moving fast enough. “We are not on track,” he said. For the possible future commissioner, the homelessness crisis needed to be tackle along with “coupling it with social measures, with the job opportunities, with creating a life for people,” he said. “Many will probably argue […] that is not necessarily a European competence. I will say, actually it's a European fundamental rights, social pillar, to have an affordable home," he concluded.

16:04 Involving MEPs in negotiations of cash-for-migrants deal? We'll see

When asked by Croatian socialist MEP Tonino Picula whether she will make sure that the European Parliament is involved in the decision-making of regional partnerships with third countries, Šuica said she will cooperate with MEPs “before we start negotiations” and "from the very beginning".

“I can commit I will come here and talk to you and then we will see whose role [each institution has] at the end,” she added. “Without having [the] parliament involved, I don’t think we will succeed”.

“We are ready to work on an impact assessment prior to sign[ing] these agreements,” she said, responding to concerns from Green MEP Tineke Strike about the respect of human rights by third countries.

16:03 Jørgensen is avoiding question, complains Finnish MEP

Aura Salla, a Finnish conservative MEP, criticised the commissioner-designate for energy and housing Dan Jørgensen, stating that he is "circling around" the important questions of nuclear energy and small modular reactors (SMRs).

“He does not want to ‘hijack the process’ but is he prepared to lead or guide our path towards European SMRs” she said on the social platform X.

15:55 Jørgensen on waste-made energy

One MEP asked Jørgensen what he thought about producing energy from rubbish. He answered that “there's the waste from our food sector and our agriculture sector that can be made into biogas. And actually, in many countries, my own [Denmark] included, the ramping up of biogas production from exactly these waste sources has been a major reason why we've been able to cut down on our on our natural gas.”

“In the future, we will need these sources of what will then be green, biogenic carbon […] because it's one of the only ways where we can have negative emissions,” he added.

15:46 EU-Israel association agreement

When asked whether she would support suspending the EU-Israel association agreement, Šuica said the ball was in the EU Council's court. “If we want to stop it, we need unanimity in the council, and this is not the case,” she said, arguing that Europe needs to maintain channels to communicate with Israel.

15:40 Jørgensen’s on hydrogen energy

Jørgensen said that hydrogen was an extremely important part of the EU green transition for multiple reasons. The Danish former energy minister stated hydrogen will work as storage for energy — making the EU energy system more flexible on demand.

“Second, it will work to help us decarbonise the more hard to abate sectors,” he said. “But there's also the necessity for hydrogen to be a part of our transport sector. So aviation, maritime transport will in the future also depend on fuels made with hydrogen as a source. Of course, you have to add some biogenic carbon but, but that is definitely part of our plan,” he added.

15:31 Jørgensen on Russian fossil-fuel imports

Earlier Jørgensen said he will propose a roadmap to end dependency on Russian energy imports. On this, an MEP asked whether Jørgensen is committed to “phasing out all Russian fossil fuels as early as next year to avoid another three years of tens of billions slipping into Russian coffers and financing bonds in Ukraine.”

Denmark's Jørgensen answered “it's going in the right direction, but it's not going fast enough.”

“I cannot comment, unfortunately, to your question on whether or not we can be independent of Russian fuel next year,” he added.

15:29 No cent going on the wrong hands?

When asked how to ensure human rights are respected in partnership with third countries, Šuica said that all agreements signed until today include provisions for the protection of human rights.

“No cent from EU taxpayers' money will go into [the] wrong hands,” Šuica said, arguing that the EU Commission collaborates with civil society on the ground to monitor the situation.

Earlier in October, the EU Ombudsman urged the commission to develop "concrete criteria" to suspend EU funds for Tunisia in case of human rights abuse. “It is also impossible to overlook, in this context, the deeply disturbing reports that continue to emerge about the human rights situation in Tunisia, notably when it comes to the treatment of migrants,” Emily O'Reilly said.

When it comes to the EU-Tunisia deal, the commission made an assessment and Šuica said: “We have results, but the results are confidential” but “there is no reason to hide anything from the members of this committee, it is important that we work on this together”.

15:23 Jørgensen on financing nuclear with EU money

The ex-Danish energy minster reformulated one of the questions asked by an MEP on nuclear. “Will we get EU money to finance nuclear?” he asked himself rhetorically. Jørgensen answered: “I will not be able to promise that.”

15:21 Šuica: ‘Not a payer but a player’

“We want to be not only [a] payer, but [a] player,” Šuica said regarding the need to increase the geopolitical importance of the EU in the Middle East.

“But we cannot do it alone,” she also said, adding that the EU will increase cooperation with Gulf countries.

Šuica mildly condemned Israel’s decision to ban the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) from operating within its borders. “I think this was not [a] good move by Knesset,” she said.

Earlier in this hearing, responding to a question from a socialist MEP, she committed to keep supporting and financing UNRWA because it is “the only organisation” that can provide humanitarian assistance and basic services to Palestinians.

15:12 New EU returns law will ‘not be easy’

When asked by Dutch MEP Sebastiaan Stöteler (Patriots for Europe) about how the EU will get better at tackling illegal migration, the Croatian commissioner nominee admitted that: “we were not that good” on this. Europe will need a “new return directive,” she said, arguing that “it is not an easy task” and noting that only around 20 percent of rejected asylum seekers, given an order to return, are actually returned.

15:09 Jørgensen on his action plan for the EU housing crisis

When questioned on his concrete plan to bridge the gap of the investment gap for affordable housing, Jørgensen explained that his aim is to make the cost of living more affordable for people. The Danish nominee said he will present a action plan for affordable housing.

“We do need investors to put money in the housing sector, but I fear that too often they look at short term gains profits and not necessarily what is best for societies and long term investments,” he said, adding that he “will be very inclusive in the process, speaking to all stakeholders in the housing sector ecosystem, working very closely with the parliament.”

15:01 New partnerships with Jordan and Morocco

The New Pact for the Mediterranean will be structured around two main pillars: establishing strategic partnerships with countries in north Africa, the Middle East, and the Gulf, and fostering regional cooperation to encourage European companies to enter the region, Šuica explained.

When asked about the specific countries these partnerships will focus on, Šuica stated that the commission is negotiating and planning agreements with Jordan and Morocco.

“Europe is [a] big payer, but at the same time Europe is not that big [a] player,” Šuica says, reflecting the importance of her portfolio.

14:54 Šuica: 'Great responsibility'

In her opening remarks, Šuica acknowledged the "great responsibility" of her portfolio and outlined the reasons why the region is crucial for Europe’s future:

1. The region has long served as a cultural bridge, uniting diverse cultures and languages that shape European identity.

2. The Mediterranean has historically been a strategic trade route.

3. Geopolitical importance, given the increasing influence of Russia and China in northern Africa.

4. Significant potential for green energy development and mutually beneficial collaboration between EU and third countries.

5. The urgent need to protect the environment and preserve biodiversity.

6. And, of course, the need to manage migration (last on this list, but high on the commission's agenda).

The Croatian lawmaker also pledged to deliver a New Pact for the Mediterranean, building on the controversial cash-for-migrants deals the EU recently reached with Tunisia and Egypt. She said this pact will be based on "partnerships" and developed "together" with countries in the southern neighbourhood. Now we move into questions...

14:50 Dan Jørgensen’s hearing has started

Until earlier this year, Denmark's nominated commissioner served as minister of development cooperation and global climate policy. Between 2019 and 2022 the Danish politician was also the minister of energy utilities.There will likely be a lot of questions on the housing crisis as Jørgensen was nominated first-ever housing commissioner by EU Commission president Ursula von der Leyen.

14:37 Šuica’s hearing kicks off

Croatia’s Dubravka Šuica hearing is underway.The former mayor of Dubrovnik, who has been serving as European Commission vice-president for demography and democracy for the past five years, has now been appointed the first-ever commissioner for the Mediterranean. But Šuica is facing scrutiny for her numerous trips to Croatia and for failing to report meetings with lobbyists during her previous term in the EU high office. Expect questions on these subjects. Let’s see what she has to say about it.

12:38 McGrath's final remarks foresee a long to-do list

After surviving a three-hour parliamentary hearing, McGrath moves to his final remarks and pledges to protect the rule of law and consumers across Europe. He said that "there will be a lot of work to do” for the upcoming five years while warning that citizens must have “a sense of belonging” to society but also to European democracy. “Democracy must work for everyone,” he said.

Finally, he also pledged collaboration with the European Parliament, arguing that his “door will always be open” for MEPs.

12:32 Zaharieva ends on tearjerker

Zaharieva sums up with a personal story, instead of repeating her policy priorities. "I remember being a teenager when the Berlin Wall fell. I was 14 years old and, for me, the wall was a symbol of all the freedoms we missed ... So, it's a moving moment to stand here today before you to ask for your support to implement my vision," she said. She described the hearing as having been "very fair" and "very positive".

Zaharieva also flattered MEPs. "You are really masters of your portfolios," she said, adding: "My door will always be open for members of the European Parliament". The hearing ended with warm applause and in good humour, with Zaharieva and the committee chair sharing a joke about cutting short her final remarks to save time, since the meeting had overrun by almost half an hour.

12:27 Abortion rights

The EU parliament approved the inclusion in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the right to legal safe abortion in April. When asked what the commissioner would do to make sure that the right to abortion is respected across the EU, he said that this is “not a political commitment" in the guidelines of his mission letter and that, therefore, he could not make a commitment on behalf of the whole commission.

“I and the Commission will work constructively with the parliament should you wish to proceed formally with that measure, though, of course, recognising it is treaty change, and again, it is on the basis of of unanimity,” he said, referring to the possibility of reviewing the EU charter.

In other words, very unlikely to happen.

12:20 Zaharieva open to saving UK nuclear project from Brexit

Zaharieva has said the EU cannot save the Joint European Torus (JET), a European nuclear-fusion research centre in Oxfordshire, in the UK, unless the British government is open to new talks. The facility started work in 1983 but officially shut down in December 2023 in the wake of Brexit, despite a petition by scientists to keep it going, with decommissioning due to go on until 2040. "I can talk to the UK and try to convince them to continue JET financing, but the European Commission has no legal basis, despite all the financial resources we might have, to finance this project without having the UK government on board," she said.

12:07 Round of applause

When asked about his position regarding the 'cordon sanitaire' in the European Parliament, McGrath said: “I'm happy to engage with anyone who subscribes to democratic principles, however, where there can be no compromise is in respect of our values”. He received a round of applause after arguing that “there will be no compromise” when it comes to the EU’s fundamental rights and values set in the treaties.

12:01 Zaharieva did her homework on 3D printing

Dario Tamburrano, a left-wing Italian MEP, asks a detailed question on 3D printing, saying that current EU law is stifling use of 3D-printed products in toys and in the medical sector, because there are no EU-agreed certification standards for consumer protection. Zaharieva earlier faced criticism from Czech far-right MEP and ex-racing driver Filip Turek for having little grasp of specific industries, such as the automotive sector. But she appeared well informed on 3D, saying she'd discussed the issue with Tamburrano prior to her hearing and that she would push for a legal review. "The current legislative framework of EU standardisation is becoming evaluated," she said, because "something is wrong in our legislation". "I will make sure that our [new] life-science and bioscience strategies will facilitate approval of safe new technologies," she added.

11:42 Zaharieva concedes legal loophole on ethical concerns

Spanish liberal MEP Oihane Agirregoitia Martínez tries to drill down for more detail on how Zaharieva will make sure that EU money for "disruptive technologies [such as AI or biotech]" will meet high "ethical standards", especially seeing as some member states have a poor track record on respecting human rights.

Zaharieva replies with a boiler-plate answer about Horizon Europe's built-in safeguards and monitoring mechanisms. She sounds vague and on the back foot on dual-use tech, with little to offer except that "maybe I'll propose a new study" on how to monitor dual-tech use. She also concedes that the European Commission has no legal power to stop scientists from selling their research the way they want to. "When researchers and innovators have their patents it depends on them how their research will be used. They have this intellectual property, so it depends on them", she said.

11:14 EPP calls for delays on corporate sustainability directive

When asked by a centre-right MEP about considering delaying the corporate sustainability due diligence directive (CSDDD), McGrath said he is committed to a “timely and effective implementation”. He said the commission will prepare detailed guidelines to make sure that the transposition into national law and then the implementation happens in line with the targets set out in the law.

The CSDDD will apply in phases between 2027 and 2029. “[But] it’s important that we provide the support measures as early as possible,” McGrath said. “I think it's important that we take a global lead in the European Union … on a sustainable business model being adopted by businesses that respect human rights and promote the environment across the full supply chain of their operations,” he added, responding to questions from socialist MEP Lara Wolters who led the parliament works on the proposal during the last legislative term. The Draghi report revealed that over 60 percent of EU companies view regulation as a barrier to investment, reinforcing the ongoing push for deregulation within the EU.

11:10 Zaharieva keen to fund dual-use tech

Zaharieva repeats that under current rules, EU research grants cannot be used for military technologies. But she adds that the Ukraine war should prompt a new discussion on dual-use items.

"Horizon Europe is strictly focused on civilian R&I [research and innovation] and it'll be preserved. But having in mind new realities, not just Russia's war of aggression, but also our competitiveness, we should have a discussion on dual-use [items]," she said.

She quoted the Draghi report on competitiveness, saying "do not make this artificial distinction [between military/dual-use]. Almost all civilian innovation can be useful in military applications, whether it's in the medical, drone, or internet [sectors]".

Interesting to see if anyone picks up on the seeming contradiction with her earlier answer on Israel, in which she promised that no EU funds could ever be used by Israeli applicants to harm Palestinians.

10:59 Zaharieva to keep gender balance criterion

The 49-year old Bulgarian politician has pledged that gender balance will remain a criterion for evaluating applicants for EU research grants.

"Yes. I'll be very much focused on gender equality. The data are really not positive. Women outnumber men at graduate level but in the highest academic positions we're not doing well. It's even worse in [private sector] innovation," she said.

"I will continue this gender balance plan to be part of the Horizon evaluation process," Zaharieva added, noting that Horizon was "unique" in having a 50% target for women in applicants' top posts.

10:56 Zaharieva on better pay for EU 'talent'

Zaharieva speaks forcefully on the need to keep the best EU scientists from leaving for the US or China for better wages. "Without the talent there'll be no research or innovation," in Europe, she said.

"It's naive to think we will be able to have equal pay in all member states because GDP is different, but we can have minimum standards for research and innovators and women researchers," she added. "It's important to promote better salaries, better conditions, better contracts".

10:53 Zaharieva: 'What was that?'

"Excuse me, what was that?", Zaharieva asked, after a male voice called out in Spanish something about "El Pais ... falso" from the floor. There were also murmurs of confusion among MEPs.

"I think he was tired," one of the MEPs chairing the hearing said into their open mike, before business resumes.

10:51 Addictive design & Digital Fairness Act

McGrath promises “measures” to tackle addictive design in social media.

“Yes, there will be concrete measures which we will have to develop together to address addictive design”. EU Commission president Ursula von der Leyen has also pledged to make full use of the Digital Services Act to ensure that large social media platforms protect minors, he said.

He also said that “there is room to strengthen the protection of consumers online” in the incoming Digital Fairness Act (DFA - new acronym!). But he calmed MEPs who have raised concerns about duplication and red tape.

“Many of you have raised concerns about duplication and layering more requirements, but this is about closing gaps that are there,” he said.

10:39 Ireland planning to join the EPPO

When asked whether he will campaign for increased resources for the EPPO (European Public Prosecutor's Office) and to extend its mandate to include sanction evasion, McGrath said he would do everything he could to ensure that the EPPO has an "appropriate level of funding."

He also stated that he would work to "accelerate the revision of the EPPO regulation" and explore all available options when it comes to the agency's mandate.

Additionally, he mentioned that the Irish authorities are currently considering joining the EPPO, with the goal of doing so before Ireland's EU Council presidency in mid-2026.

10:35 Laughter as Musk hailed as a free speech hero by far-right MEP

The committee room bursts into laughter when German MEP Mary Khan, from the far-right Europe of Sovereign Nations, praises multibillionaire and X-owner Elon Musk as a champion of free speech.

Digital-rights watchdog EDRi comments on X: "A far-right MEP brings the hyperbolic German debate and fearmongering about the #DigitalServicesAct and  #FreedomOfExpression into the room. Good to see that McGrath is informed enough to realise that while free speech must be protected, the  #DSA isn't what's threatening it!"

10:33 Zaharieva probed on EU money for Israel

Danish left-wing MEP Per Clausen has tried to force Zaharieva to take a position on the Gaza War, with a question on what she would do to stop Israeli companies or universities using EU research money to develop military technologies, which could be used against Palestinians.

She doesn't take the bait, but rules out any Israel boycott. "Horizon Europe, and I'll say this clearly, will continue to fund Israeli entities ... I'm not a supporter of closing EU programmes on the basis of nationality. I don't support this. It would be discrimination," she said.

Zaharieva also corrects Clausen, saying no Horizon money given to Israel can be or has been used for military purposes. "There's no such case," she said.

She adds that Israeli firms or academic bodies have to comply with "ethical rules and international law", just like any other country, or risk having their funds clawed back.

"We have a very strong monitoring system," she said.

"We will continue to do our best in this difficult situation to find way to support Palestinian researchers," adds Zaharieva, but she confirmed there were just two Palestinian entities in the EU's science programme at this stage.

10:30 Zaharieva on climate vs. business

Finnish Green MEP Ville Niinistö references the floods in Spain as a sign that the EU needed to invest more in climate-change related new technologies.

"It's really important for our competitiveness but also people's lives ... it's a must," Zaharieva replies.

"It's not a matter of choice. I don't want to choose between competitiveness and environment," she adds. "But we're not going to reach our climate goals without being competitive".

10:29 McGrath on the next Democracy Shield

After the Digital Services Act, the Digital Markets Act, the European Media Freedom Act and the AI Act, what’s next?

The Democracy Shield, which according to McGrath, will aim to address threats within and outside the European borders, mainly foreign interference and disinformation.

“The development of this Democracy Shield is that some abstract, theoretical concept. It has to be real. It has to be tangible, and it has to make a difference,” he said.

This is seen as one of the next commission's priorities and a follow-up to the work done by the outgoing EU commissioner for values and transparency, Věra Jourová

10:12 Zaharieva's positive mood music

MEPs have taken a friendly tone toward the Bulgarian politician so far, with no one having mentioned the red-flag on her candidacy: accusations of involvement in a cash-for-passports scandal in Bulgaria.

Zaharieva, an experienced politician who held several ministerial posts, appears calm, but also emotionally engaged with her portfolio, with confident body language and smiles. She is also showing an easy command of portfolio details, such as the application process for EU research grants.

10:05 ‘Respect for EU law is a must for EU funds’

Green MEP Tineke Strik, the Parliament's special rapporteur for the situation in Hungary, slams the positivism shown so far by the Irish commissioner designate.

“You seem to be quite positive about the progress being made on the rule of law, but I see actually an ongoing deterioration in a number of member states, despite measures being taken by the EU, so we need a more convincing enforcement strategy,” she said in her question.

McGrath clarifies that he is positive about the toolbox that has been developed by the EU institutions, with advances such as the conditionality mechanism.

“While I acknowledge that progress has been made in the architecture and in the toolbox, where I think we need to do more and we must do more, is in the follow through is in the implementation,” he said, adding that his mission will be to build on the idea that “respect for EU law is a must for EU funds”.

“I am prepared to use the full suite of tools that we have,” he promised, arguing that the commission has not been shy when it comes to infringement procedures, with more than 400 proceedings opened over the last five years.

9:59 Zaharieva on EU values and Ukraine

A Patriots for Europe MEP throws a curve-ball to Zaharieva, a centre-right politician, asking whether she supported the "cordon sanitaire" around his far-right group, which was excluded from European Parliament top jobs, such as committee chairs, by centrist parties.

It's the first genuinely political moment in the hearing.

"I'm ready to work with every MEP who is in favour and supports European values," she says.

Then she doubles down on the Patriot's pro-Russian stance, adding: "And of course support our security as well because we're not going to be competitive without being secure". The EU needed to "help Ukraine to win this war and to support them as long as necessary. I will work with all members own this parliament who support these values," she said, to ripples of applause.

9:57 Leggeri vs McGrath

Answering a question from former Frontex chief Fabrice Leggeri, now an MEP for the far-right Patriots for Europe, about political control over the European Court of Justice, McGrath states that his priority will be to protect EU law.

“We need to accept the primacy of EU law and we have to accept the preeminent position of the Court of Justice as being the ultimate arbiter of EU law as it applies in all member states.”

On Twitter, former liberal MEP Sophie in 't Veld remarked: “Just in case anyone still had any illusions about the far right and their desire to kill the rule of law.”

9:54 Zaharieva quizzed on red-tape and SMEs

In her first round of questions, Zaharieva said she would slash the amount of paperwork required to apply for EU grants and the time it takes to award them. It takes 31 documents to apply for a grant from the EU's Horizon-science programme, for instance, and 218 days to get a decision from the European Research Council. "This is clearly too much" she said.

SMEs are particularly hit by the red-tape burden, she noted. "Their number one priority is simplification ... to reduce red tape," she said. "Just increasing funding won't work".

9:52 McGrath on GDPR and competitiveness

Asked if the EU's GDPR rules might undermine competitiveness, McGrath says a balanced approach is needed.

“I think we can have both, we can have the highest standards of data protection within the European Union, while at the same time, using all of the potential that technological advances provide to us to support innovation in our economy,” he said, adding that it is important to provide some clarity when it comes to the deployment of AI and the data protection.

9:40 McGrath on media freedom

Michael McGrath pledged to support media pluralism and enforcement of the European Media Freedom Act and the anti-SLAP legislative package, monitoring EU member states implementation.

“The safety of journalists is going to be an integral part of our work,” he said.

9:38 Focus on Draghi

Zaharieva has already referenced Mario Draghi's competitiveness report several times, with a focus on the business rather than the science aspect of her mission.

We "must stop Europe's innovation drain" and scientific "brain drain" to non-EU countries, she said.

Zaharieva pledged a target of 50% women in all senior board posts in academic and business entities linked to EU-funded science projects. she also promised "safer workplaces" for women.

There will be a new Life Science Strategy in 2025 and a new European AI Research Council if she was confirmed, Zaharieva said.

9:32 And so does Zaharieva's...

Speaking in fluent English, Ekaterina Zaharieva sets out five top priorities for the EU's research and innovation portfolio:

1. Boosting national spending on research to 3% of GDP across member states

2. Helping high-tech European start ups to get off the ground

3. Fostering research in "disruptive" technologies, such as biotech and AI

4. Promoting the role of women in research and innovation

5. Getting an ambitious budget for the EU's flagship Horizon science programme (now named FP10)

9:29 McGrath’s hearing kicks off

McGrath's hearing is underway!

MEPs in the room belong to eight different parliamentary committees (libe, imco, juri, afco, cult, budg, cont, femm).

“This underlines the broad nature of the portfolio,” he admits.

McGrath's to-do list includes launching the European Democracy Shield, combating disinformation, safeguarding media freedom, enforcing GDPR, regulating targeted advertising, and pushing forward anti-corruption efforts.

“In the current geopolitical context, we must cherish and defend the values that make the EU a beacon of peace, tolerance and hope, including democracy, respect for fundamental rights and the rule of law,” the 48-year-old Irish politician told MEPs, adding that the resilience of the EU’s democracy, societies and economies are "constantly put into the test”.

In his introductory remarks, he also committed to take into account the recommendations from special committees on foreign interference to counter foreign information manipulation, interference and disinformation — especially to protect elections.

He also said that he would tackle dark patterns, manipulative marketing by social media influencers, addictive design of digital products and unfair personalisation. "I want to make sure that consumers are not exploited for commercial purposes," he said.

Building on the EU Commission's annual rule of law report, he pledges to develop “a closer link” between the rule of law recommendations and financial support for EU member states.

After ten mins of talking, McGrath paid tribute to Ukraine and committed to supporting Kyiv to ensure “Russia's full accountability for the crime of aggression and the war crimes” in the country.

Now we move to questions.

8:32 Open letter for an ambitious circular economy

Meanwhile, several NGOs have issued an open letter urging MEPs to press commissioner-designates hard this week on their plans to drive forward the circular economy — especially commissioner-designate Jessika Roswall. They point out that the EU’s circular material use rate has essentially stalled, slightly increasing from 10.7 percent in 2010 to 11.5 percent in 2022.

8:30 Who to watch out for

Watch out for Zaharieva, the Bulgarian candidate and former justice minister under the Boyko Borissov government, who has been appointed as commissioner for research and innovation, and who was also allegedly been involved in a passport-selling scandal.

Also keep an eye on the outgoing European Commission vice-president for demography and democracy Dubravka Šuica, who has just been appointed the first-ever commissioner for the Mediterranean. Šuica is facing scrutiny for her numerous trips to Croatia and for failing to report meetings with lobbyists during her previous term in the EU high office.