Highlights - Confirmation hearing of Commissioner-designate Hadja Lahbib - Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety

On 6 November, the confirmation hearing of Commissioner-designate for Preparedness and Crisis Management, and Equality, Hadja Lahbib took place.

The confirmation hearing was led jointly by the DEVE, FEMM, LIBE, and ENVI Committees. The EMPL committee and the SANT Sub-Committee were also invited to this hearing. It took place between 9:00 to 12:00. Within the ENVI Committee's remit, the Commissioner-designate replied to questions concerning enhancing the Union's crisis management via mechanisms like the UCPM and RescEU, ensuring adequate resources in the current and upcoming MFF, and providing equitable financial support for regions affected by disasters. ENVI Members also questioned preparedness strategies, health emergencies, DG HERA's role, integrating disaster prevention into EU policies, the future Climate Adaptation Plan, and balancing EU stockpiling strategies. The hearing was the basis for the coordinators of the committees responsible to assess whether the Commissioner-designate was qualified both to be a member of the College of Commissioners and to carry out the specific tasks assigned to her.