European Commission President José Manuel Barroso announced last week that he is "very proud of the support" he has received from governments and political parties concerning his reappointment. He stated that he would decide on the make-up of the new Commission "after the (June 4-7) elections, taking into account the support from member states and the Parliament".

Given that the Party of European Socialists has been unable to agree on an alternative candidate for President of the Commission, it seems likely that Barroso will be reappointed by EU leaders at the Brussels summit on 18-19 June.

Barroso was keen to promote the swift appointment of a new Commission as necessary for stability and continuity. "The European Parliament is planning to confirm the Commission President in July. We need the institutional stability, because the crisis is extremely serious. Deadlines, such as the G8 meeting in July in Italy, and then a new meeting of the G20 in the United States in September, are fast approaching," he said.

Source:

• http://www.euractiv.com/en/eu-elections/barroso-pushing-early-decision-new-commission/article-182500