Tuomioja feels dispute over naming of European Commission was unnecessary

"Quick reaction from President Barroso would have helped avoid mini crisis"

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Finland's Minister for Foreign Affairs Erkki Tuomioja (SDP) feels the dispute over the naming of the new European Commission was needless.
      Tuomioja considers the mini crisis could have been avoided had the incoming Commission President Jose Durão Barroso reacted more quickly.
      "[Rocco] Buttiglione has already given up his candidacy, but other sacrifices may well be needed to balance this out. Not necessarily because the EU Parliament so demands, but simply as restitution to those who had to retreat", Tuomioja writes in a column on his personal Internet site.
      Tuomioja believes that once the new European Commission has been appointed it will be business as usual with the same challenges as before.
     
In Tuomioja's view, the primary task of the new Commission will be to pilot the ratification of the EU Constitution in all 25 member states in such a way that the agreement could be brought into force during Finland's term as the rotating EU Presidency in the autumn of 2006.
      "It is advisable to expect delays, but one or two setbacks must not be allowed to sink the whole project", Tuomioja points out.
     
In a sardonic tone, Tuomioja also writes about last Friday's function in Rome, where the new European Constitution was signed.
      The venue was the same where the Treaty of Rome was signed in 1957 to establish the EEC.
      Tuomioja remarks that the pompous setting with all the celebrations and extensive security arrangements cost no less than EUR nine million.
      "Sure we made history, as nearly every speaker pointed out, but at times I almost felt like an extra in a Hollywood remake of The Fall of the Roman Empire, but then again that would have been historical as well", Tuomioja writes.


Previously in HS International Edition:
  PM Vanhanen says that crisis looms if no Commission is found soon (1.11.2004)
  PM Vanhanen stresses EU Commissions independence of European Parliament (29.10.2004)

Links:
  Home page of Erkki Tuomioja
  The European Commission

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