On 4 November, the CULT Committee questioned Glenn Micallef, the Commissioner-designate responsible for Sport. In his speech, Micallef outlined his plans for the Commission’s work, emphasising the European Sport Model (ESM), sport diplomacy, and sport’s role in promoting healthy lifestyles, inclusion, and diversity. Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) raised questions about the ESM, particularly in light of recent European Court of Justice rulings, as well as the role of sport in social inclusion, gender inequality, combating match-fixing, and addressing the piracy of live sports content. While demonstrating knowledge of the key features of the ESM and acknowledging sport governing bodies’ role in it, Micallef’s responses lacked concrete actions across all policy fields of his portfolio a point also highlighted by Nela Riehl, Chair of the CULT Committee.

On 6 November Hadja Lahbib, designated for Preparedness and Crisis Management, Equality and Olivér Várhelyi, tasked with the Health and Animal Welfare portfolio, were scrutinised by their respective committees. Lahbib showcased deep understanding of her portfolio, underscoring the importance of successful implementation of already adopted equality legislation and announced several roadmaps and guidelines on gender equality, LGBTIQ+, and anti-racism. On the contrary, Várhelyi, is currently the only Commissioner-designate to have not yet passed the hearings in the first stage. He has until 11 November to respond to a second round of written questions from MEPs, followed by a Coordinators’ meeting of the European Parliament Committees in charge to evaluate his performance. A two-thirds majority is required for his approval. Hearings will continue next week, notably with Roxana Minzatu, nominated as Executive Vice-President, who will oversee the Erasmus+ programme.