Events

José Manuel Barroso has just announced the distribution of portfolios in the next European Commission.

We warmly congratulate Michel Barnier on his nomination for the post of European Commissioner for the Internal Market and Services.

The areas of responsibility Michel Barnier will have are at the heart of the European enterprise and of crucial importance for the daily lives of the European Union’s 500 million citizens. The internal market portfolio, particularly the part of it relating to regulation of financial services, is fundamental for helping to emerge from the crisis and prepare the conditions for the return of growth in Europe.

A convinced European, former foreign affairs minister, Michel Barnier has been deeply committed to building Europe for years. He will bring experience, expertise and knowledge of the people, institutions and issues to the benefit of Europe and its citizens. We wish him every success.

It is now for the European Parliament to give its approval so that this new team can rapidly take office.

With the appointment of Herman Von Rompuy, Catherine Ashton and Pierre de Boissieu, Council Secretary-General, and entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty on 1 December, an important milestone has just been passed.

The time for action has come, for achieving our European ambitions.