By Martin Banks - 7th September 2009
José Manuel Barroso has been urged to adopt a "more ambitious" agenda before he can expect the support of one of parliament's biggest political groups.
That was the message on Monday from Michal Kaminski, leader of the centre right European Conservatives and Reformists group.
The Polish deputy said the ECR, whose members were due to meet Barroso later on Monday, was "well disposed" towards his renomination for a second term in office.
But Kaminski, whose own election to the post sparked fierce controversy before the summer break, added, "This time we would like to see him adopt a more ambitious centre right agenda. The commission should deliver less and better regulation so that it better serves the priorities of the people."
His comments were echoed by the group's deputy leader Tim Kirkhope, a British Tory MEP, who said Barroso "must be willing" to lead a commission which is "more accountable to our parliament".
He added, "In exchange for our support we will expect Barroso to give us a commitment that he will not concede ground to the left."
The Socialist group, as expected, is far less keen to endorse another Barroso led commission with UK deputy Glenis Willmott saying her group was "disappointed" with the work programme the former Portuguese prime minister unveiled last week.
At the heart of it was a warning from Barroso that the EU must press ahead with an ambitious agenda or face the possibility of being left behind by the rest of the world.
Willmott, who leads the UK group of Socialist MEPs in parliament, said, "Before UK Labour MEPs say yes or no to Barroso we want some concrete proposals from him.
"Frankly, we are disappointed with what he is currently proposing. If he wants a second term, he has to improve his offer. We are looking for a better deal from him."
Barroso will meet the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats in parliament on Wednesday, the latest in a series of meetings he is holding with each of the main groups in Brussels this week.
He was also due to take part in a set piece debatem, organised by the Centre for European Studies, on his plans for the next five years in parliament on Monday.
The support of the Socialists and ALDE group are seen as instrumental in deciding whether or nor he garners sufficient support for his renomination.
A vote on his reappointment is due to be held during next week's plenary session in Strasbourg but some, notably the Greens, are still pressing for the vote to be delayed until after the Irish second referendum on 2 October on the stalled Lisbon treaty.
The current commission is due to come to an end on 31 October.
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