On 18 November the European Parliament gave its green light to the Commissioner-designate for the portfolio of Neighbourhood and Enlargement. Olivér Várhelyi, the Hungarian candidate, was heard by the Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET) of the EP on 14 November. However, the S&D, Greens/EFTA and GUE/NGL expressed their concerns on the independence of Várhelyi from the current Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and asked additional questions. The S&D group found the answers given by the Hungarian valid and approved his nomination. However, the Greens and the GUE/NGL group voted against him. According to his mission letter, the new Commissioner will have to “review and update the partnership priorities and Association agendas” for the countries of the southern neighbourhood. He is tasked with setting “realistic but ambitious objectives for reforms and economic development”, but also to promote good governance, protect the common environment, aim for a comprehensive partnership on effective migration management and support economic growth and employment across the region. Besides, he will also be responsible for enlargement policies, including in relation with Turkey. Várhelyi will take upon his duties once the new Commission will take office on 1 December.