MEPs set to flex muscles over Brussels posts

Article discusses the significance of the hearings that will place in the European Parliament, January 2010 when MEPs interview prospective European Commissioners.

The European Parliament cannot reject individual Commissioners, only confirm or reject the entire Commission. Yet the threat of the 'nuclear option' can be enough to force the European Commission President to make individual changes.

ESO: Background information: The new European Commission http://www.europeansources.info/record/the-new-european-commission-2009-2014/

ESO: Background information: EU states vie for pivotal Brussels posts http://www.europeansources.info/record/eu-states-vie-for-pivotal-brussels-posts/

EurActiv, 26.11.09: Ashton faces accusations ahead of Parliament hearing http://www.euractiv.com/future-eu/ashton-faces-accusations-ahead-p-news-222984

EurActiv, 8.1.10: Tension mounts ahead of EU 'job interviews' http://www.euractiv.com/priorities/tension-mounts-ahead-eu-job-inte-news-223281

European Parliament: Your MEPs: Hearings http://www.europarl.europa.eu/hearings/default.htm?language=EN&timeline=3

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