Despite not being entirely satisfied with the revised team, it was expected that the European Parliament would endorse Jose Manuel Barroso’s second Commission proposal with a large majority in order not to further weaken the Commission, the Parliament’s “natural” institutional ally.
And that’s what happened today. With Rocco Buttiglione and Igrida Udina out, Franco Frattini and Andris Piebalgs in, and a little portfolio tweaking, the new Commission was approved by 449 to 149, while 82 MEPs abstained from casting their vote.
The BBC has the new European Commission at-a-glance.
Update: No Honeymoon For Neelie Kroes.
When taking office next Monday, Neelie Kroes, the controversial new Dutch competition Commissioner, will be stripped of responsibility for at least three of the competition DGs investigations because of possible conflicts of interest, according to a report by Deutsche Welle, based upon statements by a Commission spokesperson. Ms Kroes, whose extensive business ties remained a considerable concern to MEPs even though they supported the team as a whole, has agreed with the Commission President to transfer cases with a perceived possible conflict of interest to another Commissioner.
I know of of the new EC members, Mr. Vladimir Spidla, in person. He has built his political career on parroting clich?s like “welfare state”, “government subsidies”, “social security”, etc. He lacks elementary understanding of economics. Good luck, EU.