By Bruno Waterfield; updated at 9.00am - 4th November 2004
José Manuel Barroso’s new look European Commission is to be fast-tracked by MEPs following a reshuffle.
The incoming Brussels chief has unveiled a minimalist redesign of his delayed EU executive tailored to suit the European Parliament.
Senior MEPs hold an emergency session with Barroso on Friday to discuss the new commission – parliament’s political leaders will also be addressed by the EU presidency.
Parliament’s President Josep Borrell will set out a timetable to MEPs, with hearings expected to begin as early as next Monday.
“It was very important that the European Commission be presented to the Parliament with the shortest possible delay,” he said in a statement.
“We will also finalise the practical arrangements for the hearings.”
Frattini replaces reject Rocco
Italy’s foreign minister Franco Frattini, as widely predicted, has replaced the rejected Rocco Buttiglione who resigned at the weekend.
Frattini – who is well regarded in Brussels for his role running the EU presidency last year – steps straight into Buttiglione’s justice job minimising the need for root-and-branch changes to Barroso’s commission.
“He is an experienced politician and knows the EU institutions inside out. He did a successful job during the Italian [EU] presidency. Frattini will be vice-president; he will be in charge of Justice, Freedom and Security,” said Barroso.
Frattini should satisfy Socialists – who headed opposition to Barroso last week – with other changes targeted at soothing right-wingers.
Kovács swaps with Piebalgs
Centre-left Hungarian László Kovács moves to the EU’s taxation policy brief after criticism led by centre-right MEPs.
Latvia’s Andris Piebalgs then takes his old portfolio after Riga removed the widely criticised Ingrida Udre.
“I entrusted Mr Piebalgs with the responsibility for energy; his scientific education will be a considerable asset to make a success of this important policy,” said Barroso.
“I have decided to give Mr László Kovács the responsibility for Taxation and Customs Union. His background and his experience as a negotiator leave him well equipped to perform well and deal with the challenges related to this task.”
'Back on track'
If the shake-up is good enough for the parliament – MEPs have also attacked two other proposed commissioners – then a vote on Barroso’s executive could take place on November 17.
“I am pleased that I am now in a position to present a new proposal for approval of the European Parliament. We are back on track,” said Barroso on Thursday night.
“I have worked hard over recent days to build bridges and find a balanced solution. It was not easy; I was faced with contradictory demands. But I have moved swiftly.”
“We are back on track. We need to get down to work quickly. After this period of intense democratic debate, we now owe it to Europe's citizens to meet their concerns head-on.”
Restarting the clock
Barroso is seeking a parliament’s backing for his commission after strong opposition to Buttiglione forced the former Portuguese leader to withdraw his line-up last Wednesday.
“I think my team is of high quality; it is balanced, and it should allow all political groups to reach consensus,” he said.
“Last week, I heard the parliament's message. I ‘stopped the clock’ to avoid an unnecessary crisis. We now have a good solution.
“I want broad parliamentary backing for my commission. That is essential for a strong commission that can drive Europe forward.”
“I have made the ‘necessary and sufficient’ changes I promised.”
'Enlightened'
Socialist leader Martin Schulz welcomed Barroso’s “enlightened and courageous steps”.
“José Manuel Barroso has clearly listened to parliament’s legitimate concerns. His decision should provide the required basis for broad-based support… to approve the new European Commission,” he said.
“Our democratic processes showed up the deep flaws in the candidatures of Mr Buttiglione and Mrs Udre, and Mr Barroso has dealt with these problems to our satisfaction.”
But Schulz is reminding Brussels political fixers that question-marks over the business past of Dutch competition commissioner-designate Neelie Kroes remain.
“However the Socialist group remains concerned that the Dutch government has so far failed to cooperate on the reallocation of the portfolio assigned to Neelie Kroes,” he warned.
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