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On Monday, the International Trade and Constitutional Affairs committees questioned Šefčovič, Slovak candidate for Trade and Economic Security/ Interinstitutional Relations and Transparency.

In his introductory statement, Mr Šefčovič emphasized the vital role of customs policy in both trade facilitation and economic security, outlining his vision for an accelerated and ambitious EU customs reform. "If confirmed, my priority will be to see the comprehensive customs reform done and dusted, ideally under the Polish presidency of the Council," he stated, underscoring his commitment to establishing an EU Customs Authority and a high-tech EU Customs Data Hub. This data hub, which Šefčovič described as "a state-of-the-art engine working 24 over seven," is anticipated to transform EU customs by integrating all customs data and providing a full overview of goods entering the EU. This enhanced digital infrastructure could, he noted, "save up to €2 billion annually in operational costs." Given these benefits, he pledged to "throw [his] weight behind advancing the start date for these new customs authorities from 2028 to 2026" to better address the challenges posed by e-commerce. 

Mr Šefčovič reminded MEPs that trade is "marked by stark competition over disruptive new technologies, and the weaponisation of economic dependencies", making trade a "geostrategic tool".  With the US election imminent on Monday, the Commissioner-designate said: “Regardless of the outcome of the US elections, I will put forward an offer of cooperation”. He added that the EU will have to solve its disputes with the US, citing steel and aluminium, and protectionist elements in the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). On inter-institutional relations, he committed to enhancing the Commission's cooperation with Parliament, not least through the soon to be revamped Framework Agreement. Mr Šefčovič also referred to a Commission's commitment to follow-up on Parliament's indirect legislative initiatives, ensure that comprehensive justification would be provided for the use of the extraordinary procedure of Article 122, and facilitate progress on Parliament's call for a full right of inquiry. Further, he announced an expansion of the EU's Transparency Register’s scope "to all managers".

Mr Šefčovič described China as the most challenging trading partner, one with which the EU needs to rebalance its relationship. He told MEPs that, after EU’s duties on electric vehicles made in China, in place since last week, Commission negotiators are now in talks with Chinese counterparts on price undertakings. "EU is not interested in trade wars, we are looking for rebalancing our relationship with China in areas where we feel our relationship is not fair," Mr Šefčovič said, citing overcapacity, subsidies, and the lack of level playing field.

Based on the committee recommendations, the Conference of Presidents (EP President Metsola and political group chairs) is set to conduct the final evaluation and declare the hearings closed on 21 November. Once the Conference of Presidents declares all hearings closed, the evaluation letters will be published.

The election by MEPs of the full college of Commissioners (by a majority of the votes cast, by roll-call) is currently scheduled to take place during the 25-28 November plenary session in Strasbourg.