Jacob Borg and Neil Camilleri in Brussels

Both PN and PL MEP's are expecting a good performance by Commissioner designate Karmenu Vella this afternoon at his hearing at the European Parliament in Brussels.

PN MEP Therese Comodini Cachia said she expected Mr Vella to be very well prepared, not only on the portfolio given to him by the President of the European Commission, Jean Claude Juncker, but also on his visions on it.

"I expect that there will be some exciting questions on certain controversial issues, like hunting, but I also expect him to do well because he had time to prepare. At the end of the day what MEPs from all political groups expect is for Mr Vella to show his political vision in this new role of his. If he manages to convince them then he should pass the test."

PL Head of Delegation Alfred Sant told The Malta Independent that Mr Vella will be faced with technical and political questions that reflect his vast portfolio. "There will be challenging questions, especially on the environment, but MEPs will most likely be expecting him to give clear indications on his orientation on the portfolio at hand. I believe that Karmenu Vella is able to do this."