Labour MEP Edward Scicluna, will today ( Monday) quiz Olli Rehn on his priorities if he is elected as European Economic Commissioner. Prof Scicluna, who is Vice-President of the Parliament’s Economic and Monetary Affairs committee, has been selected by the Socialist and Democrat Group to question Mr Rehn on Monday 11th, as the European Parliament holds hearings for the 26 Commissioners who have been designated to President Barrosso’s new Commission. During the three hour hearing, leading MEPs from across the political groups have the chance to cross-examine the candidates, before voting on whether to accept the Commission later this month.

Prof Scicluna is expected to question Mr Rehn about his stance on the EU’s Stability and Growth Pact, which has come under pressure as the economic crisis has seen rising government debts and budget deficits. Prof Scicluna said:

“The Commissioner hearings are one of the most important events in the legislative term, and I am delighted to have the chance to scrutinise Mr Rehn’s political priorities for the legislative term. “The Economic and Financial Affairs portfolio is one of the most important Commission appointments, particularly during a time of recession, and we need to know what Mr Rehn’s approach will be.

“I want to know what Mr Rehn will do about the Stability and Growth Pact, whether he will seek to revise it, and how he would adapt the SGP with more flexibility to ensure that countries like Malta are allowed to maintain public spending and stimulus measures to ease themselves back to economic growth. “25 EU countries have already been subject to an Excessive Deficit procedure and it is v ital that the Commission works with Parliament and with Governments to ensure that the SGP is fit for purpose.”

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