The Commissioner-designate required 30 votes to advance but, after a rigorous three-hour session, he surpassed expectations and garnered 39 out of 44 votes. Tzitzikostas lost the support of the far right, which voted ‘no,’ while the left abstained.
The breakdown of votes was follows: European People’s Party Group- EPP (12), the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats- S&D (9), Patriots for Europe- PfE (5), the European Conservatives and Reformists Group-ECR (5), Renew Europe- RE (5), and the Group of the Greens/European Free Alliance- Greens (3).
After the hearings for all Commissioner-designates have finished, the European Parliament will vote to approve or reject the European Commission as a whole during a plenary session.
The Hearing
Reports from Politico say that the Greek politician “maneuvered his commissioner hearing like a seasoned veteran,” and characterized his responses as well informed, eloquent and occasionally funny.
During the hearing, lawmakers expressed concerns about Tzitzikostas’s ability to tackle key challenges, such as the 2035 combustion engine phaseout, rising transportation emissions across Europe, and improving EU rail safety (particularly in light of Greece’s tragic 2023 Tempi train crash).
Additionally, he faced scrutiny over potential conflicts of interest due to his substantial real estate holdings, as well as his nationalist stances, which some worry could affect his approach to EU integration.
The commissioner hearings underscored divisions within the EU, particularly in relation to topics like stringent Green Deal measures and their potential impact on EU competitiveness, in sectors like automotive and aviation, if the transition is not managed properly.
About Tzitzikostas
Tzitzikostas is an economist from Greece’s ruling New Democracy party and affiliated with the European People’s Party, has also served as a regional governor in Greece for three terms, beginning in 2013.
