Karmenu Vella's nomination to serve as European Commissioner for the Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries has been cleared by the chairpersons of the European Parliament committees which oversee those sectors, informed sources said.

The chairs held meetings late yesterday after Mr Vella was questioned by MEPs for three hours.

Following the grilling, the European Socialists and the EPP, which form a majority, had praised Mr Vella's performance, although the EPP called for commitment to future action on EU environment regulations. The European Greens were critical.

The general impression after the grilling was that Mr Vella was strong in his replies on fisheries and hunting but weak on the environment. He himself admitted he did not have all the answers. (See his comments above). 

Brussels-based European Voice said that while Mr Vella is likely be confirmed, he left MEPs frustrated by making no policy commitments at his hearing.

"He performed competently and came off as a likeable person. But his performance did not leave the MEPs on the environment committee feeling enthusiastic about the future of European environment policy under Jean-Claude Juncker," the newspaper said.

MEPs will not be voting on the individual commissioners but will vote for the whole proposed College of Commissioners once all confirmation hearings are completed.

Read full report about Mr Vella's grilling here.