New European Commissioners named
Jose Manuel Barroso, president-designate of the European Commission, has named the future European Commissioners who will work alongside him from Nov. 1, subject to the approval of the European Parliament.
Jacques Barrot, of France, will be commissioner in charge of transport, succeeding Loyola de Palacio, who has handled a bigger portfolio comprising transport and energy. Barrot is European Commissioner in charge of regional policy. A lawyer by training, Barrot has been a minister with the French government.
Neelie Kroes, of the Netherlands, was named commissioner in charge of competition. She is a former cabinet minister of transport in the Netherlands and will take over from Mario Monti.
Ingrida Udre, of Latvia, will be commissioner in charge of taxation and customs.
Barroso said he has split several current portfolios: transport and energy; agriculture and fisheries; and internal market and taxation. The new commission will feature the highest proportion of women commissioners ever, and include a commissioner in charge of institutional relations and communication.
