MEPs have questioned commissioners-designate to ensure they are up to the job and to test their ability to deliver on citizens’ expectations. Nicolas Schmit, Jutta Urpilainen, Janusz Wojciechowski and Ylva Johansson were quizzed about the Jobs, International Partnerships, Agriculture and Home affairs portfolios. After scrutinising individual nominees, Parliament will have the final say on the whole Commission.

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Jobs, International Partnerships, Agriculture, Home Affairs commissioners-designate tested by MEPs

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MEPs have questioned commissioners-designate Nicolas Schmit,

for Jobs, International Partnerships, Agriculture and Home Affairs.

MEP Nicolas Schmit has been chosen for the Jobs portfolio.

Before entering European politics, he served as minister for employment and labour in his native Luxembourg.

"Together with jobs I will put at the centre of my priorities social rights for all and social inclusion."

He was questioned by the commitee on Employment and Social Affairs.

MEPs wanted to know about Schmit's plans for a Social Europe, the introduction of an EU minimum wage and workers' health.

Jutta Urpilainen has been picked for the International Partnerships portfolio.

A former finance minister, she is Finland's first female Commissioner-designate.

She was questioned by the Development Committee on migration, aid and the importance of climate change in this portfolio.

"We will cement the EU as world leader in international cooperation and development support."

Janusz Wojciechowski is the choice for Agriculture Commissioner.

"This is the chance to create long term vision for European agriculture, a long term strategy"

The Polish former MEP says he has a plan to help struggling farmers

as well as a vision for green and sustainable agriculture.

MEPs on the Agriculture Committee pushed him on sustainable food production, trade agreements

and the future of the Common Agricultural Policy.

Ylva Johansson has been put forward for the post of Commissioner for  Home Affairs.

She served as an MP in Sweden and held several ministerial posts including health and employment.

MEPs from the Civil Liberties, Justice and Home affairs committee

quizzed Johansson on migration and asylum, border controls in the Schengen zone and fundamental rights for EU citizens.

"Effectively and predictably managing migration, protecting the external borders and ensuring security

will remain the paramount task for the home affairs portfolio."

The vote in Parliament, to decide if the Commission, as a whole, is accepted or rejected is scheduled for 23 October.