The Cypriot nominee wants to "put an end to public subsidies that reinforce fishing capacity" through a new WTO agreement.

Much of the commissioners’ input could be boiled down to one term: ‘competitiveness’, trendy Brussels lingo for making Europe's ageing economy fit for the future.

"France’s strategy today is to try to capitalise on Hezbollah’s weakening to push for change. But the reality is that Paris lacks strong local support," David Khalfa tells Euractiv.

The Polish candidate also sought to reassure regional and local governments, currently worried about losing out from EU spending reforms.

“The US remains our number one trading partner, and I intend to further develop our bilateral relationship through dialogue as well as through an assertive defence of our interests,” said the seasoned Brussels insider.

“The jury is still out on how political he will be willing to be in his new role, especially as von der Leyen has taken a leading role [on migration].”

The European Parliament published written answers from the commissioners-designate ahead of the hearings and these are the key takeaways.

Henna Virkkunen hopes for a "real and swift change" in Big Tech platforms' practices.

Pillar II of Horizon Europe, the EIE, DIGITAL, or SMP are not mentioned in commissioner-designates' responses.

"It's about big tech giants versus small children's brains," Norwegian Prime minister Jonas Gahr Støre said.

In his letter Tzizikostas burnished his green credentials, stating that as a Greek regional governor he “promoted the transformation of urban mobility” and that Thessaloniki transport became “greener, smarter, more sustainable and affordable.”

McGrath's written answers to MEPs reveal details about his plans for the Digital Fairness Act and consumer protection.

“We need to ensure that the EU remains a place for battery electric vehicle (BEV) production and that we preserve the EU’s manufacturing capabilities," Spain's commissioner-designate says

There is an urgent need for transparency and accountability in Northeast Atlantic fisheries management. Ryan Orgera critiques NEAFC’s dysfunction, highlighting overfishing of key species due to opaque decision-making. Reforming governance and enhancing observer participation are essential for sustainable fisheries.

The Commission approved a trillion Euros in state aid in the last five years for energy and environment.

The upcoming interinstitutional negotiations on the EU budget for 2025 are likely to be tense.

The Dane says that “the bulk” of Europe’s 2040 decarbonised power supply should come from renewable energy "with a considerable contribution from nuclear.

The Capitals brings you the latest news from across Europe, through on-the-ground reporting by Euractiv’s media network.

In the first three months of 2024, Maritsa East's profits fell by as much as 95% year-on-year.

Law enforcement reported that around $14 million was transferred from Russia in September to influence voters.