Andor makes careful first showing

The Hungarian commissioner-designate – a newcomer to European politics – received probing but polite questions on his portfolio and acquitted himself well – if without style. László Andor's replies were delivered in fluent English and with the quiet assurance of someone who had been briefed well. Andor, an economist without much of a political profile, was competent if unexciting on the broad outlines of European Union policies on employment and the fight against poverty and social exclusion.

Danuta Jazlowiecka, a centre-right Polish MEP (EPP), said, after receiving a somewhat technical answer from Andor: “I admit that I still don't see you as a visionary.” Similarly, Emilie Turunen, a Danish Green, urged the need for “an employment commissioner with creativity”. And others complained about the vague or general nature of his answers to the 40 questions put to him.

Andor vowed to use all existing policy instruments to advance the EU's social agenda and stimulate economic growth. In his opening statement, he referred to two directives – on the posting of workers and on working time – that have been especially controversial among MEPs and member states. In a nod to sceptics from the left, Andor conceded that there was a “fundamental problem” with the interpretation of the directive on the posting of workers. He promised to undertake a thorough impact assessment before revising either directive – but he also stressed that existing directives should be transposed into national law and properly implemented. He provided a strong defence of migration into and within the EU, and in particular welcomed the expiry next year of transitional restrictions on the freedom of movement of workers from the EU's new member states. He called fears about large-scale labour migration “excessive” and highlighted the positive contribution that immigrants had made to economic growth.

Andor was far less convincing, however, in countering aggressive questioning on his alleged far-left politics and rejection of globalisation. “You're a communist,” was how Roger Helmer, a UK Conservative MEP (ECR), put it. Andor said that the allegations were a “gross exaggeration” of his views and that the allotted time – one minute – was not enough to respond. That was a weak response, but it was evident that MEPs were not going to press him on the point, and Helmer's outburst remained the only probing of his personal background. Perhaps this was because Andor's answers on substance were so reassuringly bland.

Andor gave short answers and steered clear of anything too controversial. There were no major gaffes and no embarrassing moments. Yet it would be hard to find an MEP who is excited about this particular commissioner-designate.