The nomination of Maltese politician, Karmenu Vella, for the important post of Environment Commission has caused significant concern. Two articles over the weekend give the context; Geoffrey Lean in the Daily Telegraph and Robin Mckie in the Observer.
As much attention has been given to Mr Vella’s Maltese nationality as to the fundamental watering down of his brief by Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker – here’s what we think of that.
This afternoon Mr Vella will face a panel of MEPs who will question him – ultimately confirmation of his candidacy rests with the European Parliament.
Malta’s reputation as a hot-spot for the uncontrollable killing of migrating birds hangs, albatross like, around Mr Vella’s neck – how will he convince a sceptical audience that Europe’s nature is safe during his time in office?
His boss has handed him a mandate that sees his powers diluted by combining the Environment job with marine and tucking both under a powerful vice-president overseeing growth and deregulation.
How will Mr Vella perform? We will be following the hearing live and tweeting – you can follow using the hashtag #EPHearing2014.
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