Hansen, one of the first in line: Luxembourg’s Christophe Hansen will answer to MEPs at 18:30 today, in what is expected to be a fairly smooth hearing for the centre-right politician. Get to know him better through this story by Sofia and Maria.
The AGRI committee has sole responsibility for the hearing, while the ENVI and PECH committees have been invited to ask one question each. The session, which will last around three hours, will kick off with a 15-minute introductory statement by Hansen. The AGRI committee chair and the coordinators from the different political groups will meet immediately afterwards to assess his performance.
For Hansen to be confirmed, he needs the support of a number of coordinators representing at least two-thirds of AGRI MEPs. The coordinators will set out their verdict in a letter to be sent within 24 hours to the chairs of the various committees, and which will also be examined the leaders of the political groups.
Hansen is an EPP candidate, has received a public thumbs up from the S&D, and is also appreciated in the Patriots political group.
The agricultural think-tank Farm Europe has a ComAGRI voting simulator.
Kadis’ and Várhelyi’s turn, on Wednesday: Cyprus’ Costas Kadis and Hungary’s Olivér Várhelyi’s will have their hearings on Wednesday, at 14:30 and 18:30 respectively.
The Hungarian aims for the health and animal welfare portfolio, and his hearing is expected to be a tough one. MEPs from several political groups have questioned Várhelyi’s experience on such a pivotal portfolio for food and health.
Things look easier for the Cypriot nominee, who is seeking confirmation as the commissioner in charge of fisheries and oceans. In the previous mandate, this responsibility fell to EU environment chief Virginijus Sinkevičius. For the first time in 10 years, Kadis would be in charge of a portfolio dedicated solely to fisheries, following Maria Damanaki (2010-14, Barroso II Commission).
NGOs urge new Commission to stop rollback of environmental legislation: In a press release issued this morning, WWF and 180 other NGOs reiterated their call for the new Commissioners to focus on implementing green legislation and avoid any backsliding in the name of regulatory simplification and economic competitiveness.
"We can't have a strong economy without a strong Green Deal," said Tycho Vandermaesen, Policy & Strategy Director at WWF’s European Policy Office, adding that "the EU needs a dedicated implementation programme for the Green Deal to give the necessary support to businesses and stakeholders to comply, without compromising environmental standards".
SCA discusses extra funds for disaster relief: At the Special Committee on Agriculture at 10:00 today, the Commission will present member state representatives its proposal to allow using unspent 2014-22 rural development funds to support farmers and food producers affected by extreme weather events.
The proposed regulation will be discussed as the region of Valencia (Spain) continues to suffer the consequences of last week’s deadly floods, which claimed lives of more than 200 people. Valencia’s agricultural sector is bracing for economic losses running into millions of euros, with some areas estimated to have lost up to 100% of crops such as persimmons and mandarins. Farmers in the region could eventually benefit from the Commission’s initiative, which would cover natural disasters occurring from 1 January 2024.
EU ambassadors to endorse emergency team on plant health: At the Coreper I meeting on Wednesday (6 November), EU ambassadors are expected to give the final green light to a new regulation on plant health, which includes the creation of a European emergency team to prevent and contain the arrival of crop-damaging pests. Hugo gave you all the details last April when the regulation was voted on in the Parliament.
Hungary to seek political guidance on forest reproductive material. Sources from the Hungarian presidency told Euractiv that there is still a chance to reach a general approach on new rules for forest reproductive material by December. "Although it is indeed very complex, there is still a chance," the source said, adding that the issue will be discussed by EU ambassadors on 6 November to get a clear picture of member states' positions. As Euractiv reported earlier this week, countries are divided over whether FRMs should be included in the scope of the Official Controls Regulation - a set of rules put in place by the EU to ensure that food, animals and plants meet safety and quality standards.
Also to pencil in your agenda…
1st AREFLH (Assemblée des Régions Européennes Fruitières, Légumières et Horticoles) annual forum, 6/11, 9:00 - 13:00
Mansholt Lecture 2024, 6/11, 14:30 - 16:30, organised by Wageningen University
