Karmenu Vella is one of the five European Commission nominees who have questions to resolve before their commission hearing (grilling), according to media portal European Voice.

The article, written by Dave Keating, states that as the nominees prepare for their questions by MEPs, some are under more pressure than others, because of their background, political affiliation, or the portfolio which has been assigned to them.

According to Keating, Vella will face two concerns during his hearing, discontent over the portfolio he’s been handed, and discomfort over his political history in Malta.

The president-elect’s decision to merge environment and fisheries has not gone down well with political parties and NGOs, and it is highly likely that he will be challenged to ensure that he will give each sector the consideration and importance it needs. Furthermore, Junker has specifically requested that Mr Vella carries out a much needed reform of bird and habitats directives, despite the fact that Malta has repeatedly violated such directives because of bird hunting. The most predominant environmental groups in Europe have strongly criticised Junker’s decision, saying that “the environment’s portfolio has been given to a commissioner whose government is under intense international criticism for failing to implement EU bird conservation legislation, which the commissioner will now be in a position to amend.”

Keating adds that Mr Vella will have to have face questions about his political history in Malta and allegations he faced by the press of political thuggery, tax evasion and corruption. He adds that although such allegations have not been proven, and have been the result of political turmoil of the 1980’s, it is likely such issues will be put to light.  This, especially after former commissioner John Dalli had to resign over allegations of corruption.

Keating concludes that the numbers are still in his favour, and such questions are unlikely to translate into majority voting against his nomination.

Besides Vella, Keating lists Tibor Navracsics (Hungary), Miguel Arias Cañete (Spain), Jonathan Hill (UK) and Alenka Bratušek (Slovenia).

Vella’s grilling is expected next Monday.