Magnus Brunner, Austria's current Finance Minister, is preparing for a crucial hearing at the European Parliament as he transitions to his new role as EU Commissioner for Security and Migration.
This hearing, scheduled for Tuesday, is part of a series of evaluations for 26 candidates vying for top positions in the EU Commission.
Brunner's preparation has been intense, involving consultations with EU officials and experts to tackle contentious issues like migration and internal security.
Austria, hosting a significant number of refugees, faces unique challenges compared to EU border countries, which require more support for border protection.
The hearing is not just a test of Brunner's qualifications but also a political battleground, with his confirmation requiring a two-thirds majority vote.
If unsuccessful, Brunner will have to answer written questions, with a second hearing set for November 18 if needed.
This process is crucial as the new EU Commission aims to start its work by December 1.