By Bruno Waterfield, Henrietta Billings and Elinor Blair - 26th October 2004
The incoming European Commission needs more time and must consult with EU leaders over the Brussels executive's line-up, José Manuel Barroso said on Wednesday.
Barroso has asked the European Parliament to delay a vote on the line-up of the EU executive as defeat loomed.
“I have come to the conclusion that if a vote is taken today, the outcome will not be positive for European Institutions or for the European project,” he told MEPs.
“In these circumstances, I have decided not to submit a new commission for your approval today.”
Amid barracking, the former Portuguese leader said he was going to consult with national capitals over the jobs in his new team.
“I need more time to look at this issue and to consult with [Europe’s leaders] further so that we can have strong support for the new commission, once finally approved,” he said.
"It is better to take time to get it right."
EU diplomats have welcomed Barroso's decision. "It is a sensible step given the way the vote was going to go," said a national official.
"A reshuffle is up to Barroso. We hope he can now find a constructive solution."
Barroso played down the U-turn in a row sparked by his appointment of Rocco Buttiglione to the EU’s justice job.
He claimed, in a bid to woo MEPs, that his rethink demonstrated the maturity of EU democracy.
“These last days have demonstrated that the EU is an intensely political construction and that this parliament, elected by popular vote across all our member states, has a vital role to play in the governance of Europe,” he said.
“We will not always agree on all issues, but I think we can agree on our common commitment to reinforce the democratic nature of European integration, and I would hope that we can arrive at an outcome in the next few weeks which will permit us to take forward work in the EU in this spirit.”
The decision takes the EU into uncharted waters, European law states that Barroso’s commission must take office on November 1.
Europe's leaders next meet to sign the EU constitution on Friday October 29, and diplomats predict the Barroso issue will dominate discussion in the sidelines.
After Rome, EU heads of state and government next meet in Brussels on November 5, the parliament next meets in plenary on November 15.
The Dutch EU presidency that Romano Prodi would stay as Brussels caretaker - until a deal on the new Barroso commission can be found.
"The consequence will be that the Prodi commission will stay in office for as long as necessary," said the presidency.
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