European conservative leaders today picked EU External Relations Commissioner, Mr Chris Patten, as their candidate to become the next head of the European Commission.
EU External Relations Commissioner, Mr Chris Patten
Mr Elmar Brok, a senior German member of the conservative European People's Party (EPP) in the European Parliament, told reporters: "Yes, Patten," when asked if the leaders had chosen a candidate to succeed Commission President, Mr Romano Prodi, in November.
Czech Foreign Minister, Mr Cyril Svoboda, confirmed the choice of Patten.
Other party leaders, such as Dutch Prime Minister Mr Jan Peter Balkenende, declined to confirm the name of Mr Patten, but said that EPP had chosen a candidate.