• Effectively rejected includes:

  • Formal votes against a candidate, followed by withdraw

  • Candidate withdrawal due to significant parliamentary opposition,

  • Withdrawal or replacement request by the Commission President following Parliament feedback.

• All candidates formally introduced to the EP count, with multiple rejections for the same position / country counted separately.

Background:

The European Commission, the executive branch of the European Union, is composed of Commissioners nominated by member states. Each nominee undergoes a confirmation hearing before the relevant committees of the European Parliament. The Parliament has the power to effectively reject candidates who do not meet its standards, either through formal votes or by expressing significant opposition that leads to a withdrawal.

Historically, the Parliament has used this power to influence the composition of the Commission, ensuring nominees meet ethical standards and are suitable for their designated portfolios.