Finland endorses second term for Barroso as Commission President
Finland wants good position on new Commission for Olli Rehn
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Leaders of the European Union decided at their summit last week that José Manuel Barroso of Portugal should continue as President of the European Commission for a second five-year-term.
The prime ministers of both Finland and Sweden wanted to make the second Barroso term on a level that would be stronger than a mere political decision.
Finnish Prime Minister Matti Vanhanen said on Thursday that a speedy re-election of Barroso would be the best option in a situation in which Europe is in the midst of an economic crisis.
Vanhanen praised Barroso for his ability to listen to the views and problems of small member states as well.
Sweden, which takes over as holder of the EU Presidency at the beginning of July, also wanted to put a firm seal on Barroso’s election.
Once the question of the Presidency of the Commission is resolved, Sweden’s Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt will be able to focus more on EU problems, such as dealing with the economic crisis, and fighting climate change.
“The times are difficult. That is why we need a strong Commission”, said Denmark’s new Prime Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen.
Although Barroso was getting the support of all EU countries for a second term, some questions remained open on Thursday.
The prime ministers representing parties that are in the Liberal Democratic group in the European Parliament, Vanhanen, Rasmussen, and Ireland’s Brian Cowen, demanded on Thursday that the Liberals should get a fair share of the top EU jobs to be filled during the coming summer and autumn.
Barroso will also need to get the support of the European Parliament.
Finland’s current strategy is to push for as weighty a portfolio as possible for Olli Rehn, the outgoing Commissioner for Enlargement. Prime Minister Vanhanen says that lobbying efforts are in full swing.
Helsingin Sanomat
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| 22.6.2009 - TODAY |
 Finland endorses second term for Barroso as Commission President |
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