MEP hits out at EU justice commissioner

A Dutch MEP has strongly criticised the EU’s justice and home affairs chief for abandoning his role in pursuit of political ambitions.

ALDE deputy Sophia in ‘t Veld said she was unhappy with the fact that Franco Frattini was on leave for campaigning purposes in Italy, where it is thought he may take up a new post as Italian foreign minister.

The commissioner should not have left as his portfolio was “just too important”, in ‘t Veld said at a press conference on Thursday.

“This is amongst the top three positions in the commission, one of the most important ones, and to abandon that for campaigning…and to let his personal ambitions prevail, I find irresponsible,” in ‘t Veld told this website.

“He is entitled to his personal ambitions and he is a very capable man…but during such a transition I think it’s irresponsible to abandon such a portfolio,” she added.

In ‘t Veld also expressed concern about the appointment of a potential successor to Frattini.

“We need a heavyweight in the area of justice and home affairs, somebody who is able to build consensus and reach compromise with the parliament,” she said.

“So far, we’ve not been terribly impressed, but Mr Barroso has until fall next year to make amends,” she added.

UK deputy Baroness Sarah Ludford said that it was important to ensure that any potential candidate chosen had the support of MEPs.

“It would be a bad start if the parliament were to have trouble with the new commissioner,” she told journalists.

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