S&D politicians are to have a key role in the new European Commission, holding three of the seven vice-presidencies. 

 

In addition to the major responsibility of directing EU foreign policy, entrusted to Baroness Ashton, the S&D family will manage social policy, competition and relations with EU ministers and the European Parliament.  The Czech commissioner will deal with EU enlargement and relations with neighbouring countries and the Greek commissioner will run maritime and fisheries policy.

 

Martin Schulz, leader of the S&D Group in the European Parliament, welcomed the announcement of the new portfolios in Brussels today. "I am pleased that the Commission President has recognised the importance of our political family in EU policy-making.   

 

"It gives me satisfaction to note that we will have more vice-presidencies than any other political family. This will ensure a proper balance at the highest level of Commission decision-making. It will allow us a proper degree of influence on policy and give us an important platform for our progressive views about Europe.

 

"We will now set about our preparations for the parliamentary hearings of the Commission nominees. These hearings will be serious tests of the nominees and their ambitions for Europe, and we will not pre-judge their outcome."

 

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Associated media

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