John Dalli might be spared bumpy ride on his D-Day

Malta's Commissioner-designate John Dalli faces one of the most arduous challenges in his 20-year political career on Thursday when he is grilled by MEPs before assuming the EU Commissioner's post.

John Dalli is not a man of many words and often keeps a low-profile.

However, on Thursday, MEPs from the environment, internal market and agriculture committees will probe Mr Dalli's ability to handle the Health and Consumer Affairs portfolio.

It will not be an easy ride, and the grilling is expected to be tough.

However, judging by the feeling in Brussels last week, Mr Dalli does not seem to be in the MEPs' line of fire.

Mr Dalli, 61, has been working on the hearing since he accepted the appointment last November. He took a low-key approach to the EP hearings process, knowing he cannot confront in any way those who can ultimately derail him.

He met almost all the MEPs who will be quizzing him and took the time to introduce himself, give some background about his career and explain what he intends doing in the coming years in the policy areas assigned to him by EU Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso. Some MEPs will still raise questions on Mr Dalli's expertise in some complicated areas of his portfolio such as nanotechnology or genetically modified organisms. Others are expected to want to know more about Mr Dalli's past business links, his forced resignation from government and his close connections with Libya.

Nevertheless, it seems Mr Dalli has already struck a good note with the majority of those judging him and no bumpy ride is expected.

What do they think?

Katrika Tamara Liotard - Nordic Green Left (Netherlands)
"Mr Dalli gave me the impression of being well experienced and knowledgeable in the field of public health. I was especially pleased we shared views on the effects of the market on healthcare. Mr Dalli has lengthy experience in the field of public health, but not as much in the field of food safety, for which he will also be responsible. This very important policy field requires a great deal of specialised knowledge and I am not completely convinced he has the necessary expertise at the beginning of his mandate. His answers to the European Parliament questionnaire for Commissioner-designates on the policy issues of nanotechnology and the cloning of animals for food supply are especially unsatisfactory and evasive."

Peter Liese - EPP (Germany)
"I have a very good impression of Mr Dalli and I am convinced he takes the hearing very seriously and respects the European Parliament as a whole. He is a very experienced and professional politician.

"I do not see any negative aspects, nor any concerns related to his nomination. The problems that led to his resignation as Foreign Affairs Minister some years ago are definitely no problem for the EU. All politicians are subject to unjustified allegations and none of us would accept that unfounded allegations are a reason for not getting an EU job."

Bugoslaw Sonik - EPP (Poland)
"I would prefer to wait until the hearing. From his biography it seems he knows little about health issues, but it doesn't mean he cannot be a good and efficient Commissioner. For now, I have no concerns about Mr Dalli,but in accordance with the biblical commandment 'by their fruits you shall know' them I will wait for the first actions of Commissioner and then evaluate."

Chris Davies - Liberals (UK)
"I've met Mr Dalli and the impression I formed of him was of a man without great preconceptions or prejudices. He has a quiet demeanour, appreciates the balancing role he has to perform - promoting health improvements while respecting the national competencies of member states. I think he will be easy to meet and open to ideas from the Parliament and individual MEPs.

"All in all it's a bit of an open book with blank pages. He does not appear to have a specific agenda but seems to me perfectly competent and able to do the job."

Malcolm Harbour - European Conservatives and Reformists (UK)
"I don't know Mr Dalli that well as I've only met him once in Strasbourg when he asked to meet me.

"Although I don't want to anticipate the outcome of the hearing or the decision MEPs will make, I was quite impressed with Mr Dalli's initial engagement with the European Parliament.

"I was struck by Mr Dalli's enthusiasm for his proposed Commission portfolio and believe his long history as part of the Maltese government gives him good credentials for his new role."

Sirpa Pietikainen - EPP (Finland)
"In his first statement, Mr Dalli emphasised that his priorities in the health sector include 'total accessibility to healthcare and the sustainability of the sector' and I fully agree with him. His task is of utmost importance while the EU is seeking its new 2020 strategy, where one of the key issues is to ensure social cohesion.

"I hope he has the persistent commitment needed. His experience in the financial sector will definitely be a benefit in his job."

Antonyia Parvanova - Liberals (Bulgaria)
"Health systems in Europe will have to face even greater pressure due to the current economic situation and I welcome Mr Dalli's strong financial and economic background.

"Looking at his previous responsibilities at national level, which include social policy, I hope Mr Dalli will be able to develop a sound and comprehensive approach for public health in Europe.

"I don't have any particular concerns regarding Mr Dalli's nomination. He will have the responsibility to move forward with several key dossiers, as well as launch important and needed initiatives in the field of health and consumer protection."