Civil society and the European Parliament are preparing for the next steps following Ursula von der Leyen’s announcement of her candidates for the new European Commission. This includes analysing mission letters which outline tasks, goals, and expectations for each candidate and formulating questions for the upcoming parliamentary hearings. These are scheduled to take place from 4 to 12 November.  

EASPD has contributed to two main initiatives to react to the mission letters.  

• We joined 57 other organisations in issuing a letter expressing disappointment over the merger of the Equality Commissioner role with "Crisis Management and Preparedness". The letter argues that this move downgrades equality and has gained media attention, with British newspaper The Guardian recently covering the issue. 
• We were part of an open letter sent by the largest network of social and equality organisations in the EU, Social Platform. The letter expresses concern about the portfolio of Roxana Mînzatu, the candidate for "People, Skills, and Preparedness" and calls for employment and social rights to be reinstated in her title to reflect a continued commitment to quality jobs and social protections. Additionally, this letter advocates for a stand-alone Commissioner for Equality, supported by a dedicated Directorate-General (DG), to ensure cross-policy coordination on equality issues. 

In early November, the European Parliament will hold hearings where candidate commissioners will face scrutiny from multiple committees. These hearings will decide whether the Commission can begin work in December or face delays if candidates are rejected. The Commission of Presidents, the main decision-making body of the European Parliament, has recently approved a proposal on which committees will be responsible for the hearings. This reflects the multidisciplinary nature of the new portfolios and an increase in overlapping committees compared to the previous mandate. 

In recent weeks, EASPD has worked to establish contacts with Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) and political advisors, particularly within the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs (EMPL). Meetings with advisors from Renew, The Greens, and Leila Chaibi, the Coordinator for The Left in EMPL, have focused on EASPD’s priorities for the next mandate. Key topics included public procurement reform, the potential of artificial intelligence in social service provision, housing and deinstitutionalisation, and the re-establishment of the Disability Intergroup. 

As the hearings approach, the spotlight is on whether von der Leyen’s team will meet Parliament’s expectations or face demands for significant changes before the new Commission can get to work. We’re watching closely to understand how these developments will shape our priorities and the future of social rights in Europe.