1 April 2008: European Parliament hearing of Health Commissioner Androula Vassiliou

On 29 February 2008, the Council of the European Union decided by written procedure to appoint Mrs Vassiliou as European Commissioner for Health, from 3 March 2008 to the end of the current Commission’s term of office, on 31 October 2009.

Background

In accordance with the Framework Agreement [1] on relations between the European Parliament and the Commission, it was agreed that the Mrs Vassiliou would appear before Parliament without delay and in full compliance with the prerogatives of the Institutions.

The main purpose of the hearing is to give the parliamentary committees a chance to confront Mrs Vassiliou’s views on the priorities of her area of responsibility. The hearing also strengthens her democratic accountability and legitimacy.

To prepare for the hearing, Mrs Vassiliou was requested to reply to a written questionnaire. The written questionnaire is compounded in two parts: general and specific questions. Based on the outcome of the hearing the European Parliament will proceed to a formal vote in plenary on 2 April 2008.

Results and initial responses

The Commissioner made a very good impression during her hearing, and initial responses from MEPs, the press and other present stakeholders has been very positive. EPHA believes the Commissioner demonstrates a strong background in her Curriculum Vitae and presented a powerful and passionate commitment to public health protection and promotion.

We welcome her strong background and passion for human rights and believe this is a promising starting point for ongoing EU work on health inequalities, and applaud her promise to MEPs at the hearing that she will stand strong against the tensions that the health portfolio generates with other Directorates and not compromise the health and safety of European citizens.

EPHA will post a more comprehensive analysis of the questions and answers at the hearing shortly.

Being responsible for health, food safety and animal welfare, the hearing was led by the ENVI Committee, with the participation of the AGRI, IMCO and EMPL Committees.

For further information
 ENVI webpage
 New commissioner pledges to tackle disputed EU health bill

 Key dates of the appointment procedure