By Martin Banks - 4th February 2010
Georgieva left no doubt that she is the right woman for the job
Judith Sargentini
Bulgaria's commission nominee Kristalina Georgieva has won the seal of approval from parliament, paving the way for the 27-strong executive's confirmation.
Georgieva was put forward following the withdrawal of Rumiana Jeleva as the commissioner-designate for international cooperation, humanitarian aid and crisis response.
She successfully negotiated her parliamentary hearing on Wednesday.
Dutch Green MEP and development committee member Judith Sargentini led the praise, saying, "Georgieva left no doubt that she is the right woman for the job.
"In her hearing, she demonstrated that she has the human and professional qualities to be an excellent humanitarian aid commissioner.
"She also showed sensitivity to green issues, including the interconnection between development, environmental degradation and humanitarian aid.
"The only real question that remains is why Georgieva was not nominated by the Bulgarian government in the first place."
EPP deputies Filip Kaczmarek and Gay Mitchell welcomed what they called Georgieva's "excellent performance".
"She convinced all political groups that she is able to fulfil her obligations," said Kaczmarek, while Mitchell said he believed that there was, "no doubt, [the development committee's] coordinators will make a very positive recommendation."
Socialist deputy Michael Cashman called for the committee to proceed quickly with her confirmation.
In an interview with the Sofia News Agency, Cashman said, "Georgieva displayed extensive knowledge, and exceptional qualities for the job, both political and institutional competence.
"Her openness and humility made it very convincing that she will be a great person to work with in the European commission."
Elise Ford, head of Oxfam International's EU office, said, "Following her confidence-inspiring showing Georgieva has demonstrated she has the experience and approach required for this key post.
"She has made a clear commitment to advocate, within Europe and externally, for the voiceless - the millions of people around the world who depend on the EU's humanitarian aid.
"Haiti provides a vivid example of the crucial role she must play in leading a well-coordinated EU response to disasters, and was a focus of questions from MEPs, but she will also face an enormous set of humanitarian challenges in ongoing conflicts from Gaza to Somalia and Sudan.
"The EU's new institutional framework offers a great deal of potential to maximise the impact and visibility of humanitarian policy within the EU’s external action.
"It is up to Georgieva, with the support of her fellow commissioners and particularly foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton, to fulfil this role."
MEPs in Strasbourg next week are expected to approve the full commission team.
Have your say...
Please enter your comments below.