This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-29518722

The article has changed 6 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
UK's Lord Hill faces second EU test before MEPs UK's Lord Hill struggles to woo MEPs for top EU job
(about 3 hours later)
The UK's choice to join the European Commission team, Lord Hill, will have to answer MEPs' questions again shortly at the European Parliament. The UK's Lord Hill has faced probing questions from MEPs anxious to see whether he is the right man to become EU Commissioner for Financial Services.
His recall for further questioning was very unusual. Last week MEPs were not satisfied with his answers. In an unusual step the MEPs recalled him for a second hearing, dissatisfied with his answers last week.
He has been assigned to oversee EU financial services and capital markets - a post that suits the UK government, given the City of London's key role. His background in public relations came under scrutiny again, with some MEPs questioning whether his days as a lobbyist were really over.
Hungary's EU nominee, Tibor Navracsics, has also met with MEPs' scepticism. He insisted his previous London business interests were "in the past".
At his hearing MEPs voted against him taking charge of education, culture and citizenship, though he could still get a different post in the Commission. The new European Commission, headed by Jean-Claude Juncker, cannot take office unless the whole team gets the European Parliament's approval. That vote is scheduled for 22 October.
It is not yet clear whether Lord Hill has performed well enough to get the MEPs' backing.
Worries about risk
Some MEPs at Lord Hill's hearing also voiced concern about new EU efforts to boost the market in securitised debt.
Securitisation - the packaging of debt in complex instruments - was at the root of the 2008 financial crisis, as serious risks were hidden from investors.
Jonathan Hill said he favoured creating a bigger European market in securitised debt, provided it was based on "simplicity and transparency". There must also be "incentives to keep products safe" for investors, he said.
The UK government is keen to have Lord Hill oversee EU financial services and capital markets, given the City of London's key role in the economy.
But some doubt whether a Briton would be effective in promoting deeper eurozone integration, since the UK has not joined the euro.
Lord Hill said he recognised the need to "build understanding between the euro 'ins' and 'outs'... especially in the banking union".
Hungary's EU nominee, Tibor Navracsics, also met with MEPs' scepticism at his hearing on Monday.
MEPs voted against him taking charge of education, culture and citizenship, though he could still get a different post in the Commission.
Spain's Miguel Arias Canete and France's Pierre Moscovici also faced some hostile questioning from MEPs last week.Spain's Miguel Arias Canete and France's Pierre Moscovici also faced some hostile questioning from MEPs last week.
BBC Europe correspondent Chris Morris says Lord Hill will have to be more convincing this time in front of MEPs, as there are doubts about the UK - outside the euro - managing eurozone financial policies. His second hearing starts at 13:00 (11:00 GMT).
A Belgian Green MEP, Philippe Lamberts, told the BBC that Lord Hill did not appear to be knowledgeable about his financial brief.
There is also some political point-scoring going on at these confirmation hearings, our correspondent says.
The new Commission, headed by Jean-Claude Juncker, cannot take office unless the whole team gets parliamentary approval. The parliament vote is scheduled for 22 October.