Barroso seeks to consolidate after EU treaty agreement

EU/PORTUGAL: Mr José Manuel Barroso, the man EU leaders have chosen as the next president of the European Commission, has called…

EU/PORTUGAL: Mr José Manuel Barroso, the man EU leaders have chosen as the next president of the European Commission, has called for a period of consolidation in Europe following this month's agreement on a constitutional treaty, writes Denis Staunton in Brussels.

Speaking in Brussels last night after EU leaders approved his nomination by consensus, the Portuguese Prime Minister said he wanted to ensure all member-states felt included in the European project.

"It is time for Europe to consolidate its progress. We should build on what we have achieved," he said.

The leaders backed Mr Barroso to succeed Mr Romano Prodi after a special summit that lasted just over half an hour. The Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, who chaired the meeting, said he was confident that the leaders had chosen the right man for the job. "Jose Manuel Barroso has the qualities that a strong and independent Commission requires at this time," he said.

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Mr Barroso's appointment, which must be approved by the European Parliament next month, follows weeks of bitter wrangling between the EU's biggest member-states.

Mr Barroso insisted that he alone would decide how to distribute portfolios in the new Commission, although he stopped short of denying that he has reached an understanding with some member-states on the Commission's composition. "I gave no formal assurances to anyone. I was approached by some of my colleagues but formal assurances must wait until my nomination has been approved by the European Parliament," he said.

Germany Chancellor Mr Gerhard Schröder has made clear he wants the German Commissioner, Mr Guenther Verheugen, to occupy the powerful economic affairs portfolio. Mr Schröder insisted last night, however, that the final decision must be left to the new Commission president.

"It would be politically unprofessional to bully Mr Barroso into anything. A country can voice its preferences but it's up to Mr Barroso to decide," the Chancellor said.

Mr Barroso will today meet the president of the European Parliament, Mr Pat Cox, to discuss next month's vote by MEPs on his nomination. Mr Cox yesterday welcomed Mr Barroso's appointment.The leaders also agreed to reappoint Mr Javier Solana as the EU's foreign policy chief and secretary general of the council and Mr Pierre de Boissieu as deputy secretary general.