In one sense, the recipe for success was simple: Show off any language skills, be respectful to the Parliament, and above all don’t make any spending promises.

But it was also a trial by fire for the commissioners-in-waiting, who had seven weeks to beef up their understanding of the portfolios bestowed on them by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

Were they able to talk eloquently about the nitty-gritty of the issues on their patch, or did Parliament’s lawmakers — many of whom have spent years deep in Europe’s policy weeds — expose major gaps in the candidates’ knowledge?

full list at POLITICO