MEPs’ clout in determining the members of the EU executive has been getting stronger over recent years and during the past two sets of hearings they managed to force the hand of the president-elect.

The most renowned rejection dates back to 2004, when MEPs gave the thumbs down to Rocco Buttiglione, the Italian nominee.

His controversial comments about homosexuality and the family had turned the centre and the left against him.

Five years later it was the turn of Bulgarian nominee Rumiana Jeleva.

Aside from being accused of a lack of competence in the area she was assigned – international cooperation and humanitarian aid – several MEPs had challenged the links that her husband had with organised crime.

Under pressure, Ms Jeleva withdrew her nomination.