Strasbourg, 16/11/2004 (Agence Europe) - Letters sent to president Josep Borrell from the chairpersons of the parliamentary committees responsible for the hearings of Commissioners-designate did not contain any negative opinions on Franco Frattini, Andris Piebalgs and Laszlo Kovacs.
The public freedom committee, chaired by Jean-Louis Bourlangues welcomed Mr Frattini's performance, which "created a convincing impression of his personal and professional abilities". The committee gives a favourable opinion for his appointment". The PES, ALDE, Greens and GUE noted, however, that "their trust had been compromised by his refusal to five precise answers about the most controversial of areas". The legal committee, chaired by Giuseppe Gargani said that it was convinced of Mr Frattini's professional and political abilities which demonstrated a high level of independence and integrity. The Greens expressed some misgivings about Frattini's opinion on the role of the European Commission and ensuring respect for international rules and conventions by Member States.
The industry, research and energy committee, chaired by Giles Bryan Chichester was convinced by Mr Piebalgs hearing. Chichester said that "several members congratulated him on his precise answers, his ability and dynamic performance. Mr Piebalgs created the impression of having very positive professional abilities and an aptitude for the role".
The economic, monetary and internal market committee, chaired by Pervenche Berès and Philip Whitehead welcomed Mr Kovacs' rejection of allegations of his political past, as well as his attachment to European values. They stressed that Kovacs had demonstrated with conviction his idea of independence, notably to his country of origin. Kovacs' answers were, given the lack of time for preparing for the hearing, a good demonstration of knowledge of the tax dossier, without, nevertheless, creating an exact sense of his vision of political priorities, which would have to be clarified during his mandate, according to the two committees.