Ready to move on
February 3, 2010
Bulgaria's nominee for the EU's executive body, Kristalina Georgieva, has reportedly performed well at a hearing to examine her suitability for the post of European commissioner for humanitarian assistance.
Georgieva, a World Bank vice president, impressed attendees in the European Parliament hearing, paving the way for a parliamentary vote of confidence on the makeup of the new commission on February 9.
"Kristalina Georgieva left no doubt that she is the right woman for the job. In her hearing she demonstrated that she has the human and professional qualities to be an excellent humanitarian aid commissioner," said Judith Sargentini, a Green party member of the development committee that grilled the Bulgarian.
"It was a pleasure to speak with you," German conservative parliamentarian Birgit Schnieber-Jastram told Georgieva following the hearing. British socialist Michael Cashman praised Georgieva's "impressive intellect," while Slovenian liberal Ivo Vajgl commented on her "competence and manner."
The 56-year-old economist called for a new EU-wide corps of voluntary aid workers by 2011, and a study of how the 27-nation bloc could better coordinate its disaster response measures, such as those for the January earthquake in Haiti.
Fall from grace
Georgieva was nominated for the commission post following the resignation of Bulgaria's first-choice candidate, former foreign minister Rumiana Jeleva.
Jeleva withdrew her candidacy in January following allegations she lied to hide a potential conflict of interest. She had also been dogged by accusations of incompetence and corruption.
The 26 commission candidates are due to take up their posts February 10 pending approval from the European Parliament. Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso has already been given the green light by the European Council.
The parliament does not have the right to reject individual commissioner-designates, but can reject the entire team.
dfm/AFP/dpa
Editor: Nancy Isenson