Slovenia’s nominee for European Commission rejected

Jean-Claude Juncker's proposed line-up to lead the European Commission for the next five years suffered its first casualty this evening as MEPs voted overwhelmingly to reject Slovenia's nominee for the European Commission.

Members of the Parliament's Environment committee, and Industry, Research and Energy committee, rejected the former prime minister Alenka Bratusek who had been nominated as one of Mr Juncker's senior vice presidents in charge of energy policy.

While it follows a poor performance by Ms Bratusek before the European Parliament committee on Monday, Ms Bratusek's candidacy had been shrouded in controversy from the outset after she effectively nominated herself as Slovenia's commissioner following her defeat in July's general election in Slovenia.

Separately, MEPs backed Spanish commissioner-designate Miguel Arias Canete as commissioner for energy and climate change following a tough grilling last week. The experienced former minister for agriculture had been under pressure to prove his suitability for the job, due to previous links with oil industry, and sexist comments he made earlier this year.

Ms Bratusek’s rejection followed a feverish day of rumours in Brussels that she was to step down. Earlier today, Mr Juncker’s spokeswoman strongly denied reports that Ms Bratusek was on the cusp of resigning.

“Ms Bratušek is the Commissioner-designate from Slovenia, and I would not speculate on any other scenarios before the European Parliament gives its assessment on her hearing,” she said at lunchtime. But Ms Bratusek’s defeat was unequivocal when MEPs cast their vote this evening at the European Parliament in Brussels, with 112 of a total of 126 voting against her.

Slovenia will be required to submit another candidate for commissioner, but is likely to retain the post of vice-president. While the other 26 commissioners are expected to be approved by the Parliament, Mr Juncker may have to recalibrate various portfolios.

MEPs from the economic and monetary affairs committee voted in favour of British nominee Jonathan Hill this evening, after he was recalled for a second hearing before the European Parliament yesterday. Lord Hill won the backing of 45 MEPs with 13 voting against to become the next British commissioner, while 42 MEPs voted in favour of his suitability for his allotted portfolio, with 16 against.

Similarly French commissioner-designate Pierre Moscovici is expected to win approval this evening, after he was required to respond to extra questions from MEPs who were unhappy with his appearance on Thursday.

Last week Irish nominee Phil Hogan won the support of the Parliament's agriculture committee to become the next EU agriculture commissioner.

Mr Juncker, who has been in continual contact with senior figures in the European Parliament, must seek approval for his recalibrated Commission line-up before the European Parliament plenary vote on the Commission in ten days’ time in Strasbourg.