Malta’s nominee for the post of European commissioner, Karmenu Vella, will not be facing tough political opposition during questioning by MEPs next Monday.

Both the EPP - of which the PN is part - and the Socialist group have informally agreed not to create any obstacles for Mr Vella. The groups form a majority in the chamber.

It is the Greens that are sceptical about Mr Vella’s nomination but they do not have sufficient numbers to imperil his nomination. Brussels-based media had earlier seen Mr Vella as vulnerable, with environment groups irked that   Commission president-elect, Jean-Claude Juncker had put the environment in the same portfolio as fisheries and maritime affairs.  

The Commission yesterday published Mr Vella’s “declaration of interests” in line with the commissioners’ code of conduct. His assets, excluding his home, are listed as being: ¼ of a block of apartments in Qormi, 1/6 of a block of apartments in Birkirkara, ½ of a block of apartments in Żejtun, 1/3 of a plot of land in Żurrieq, Flat in Birżebbuġa, Flat in St Paul’s Bay, Plot of land l/o Żurrieq, Plot of land at Taż-Żellieqat l/o Qrendi, Plot of land l/o Ramla taż-Żejtun. 

More on Times of Malta and the e-paper on timesofmalta.com. Declaration of interests in pdf link below.