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European Union

Portugal's Jose Manuel Durao Barroso Becomes First Commission President from a Small Country

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Portuguese politician Jose Manuel Durao Barroso has been appointed the President of the European Commission, becoming the first head of the Commission from a small country. His appointment, announced on September 22, 2004, was met with mixed reactions from European lawmakers, with some expressing concerns about his experience and leadership abilities. As the first Commission President from a small country, Barroso's appointment is seen as a significant development in European politics, with implications for the Commission's future direction and leadership.

Key Takeaways:

  • Jose Manuel Durao Barroso has been appointed the President of the European Commission, a position he will hold until November 1, 2014.
  • As the first Commission President from a small country, Barroso's appointment is seen as a significant development in European politics.
  • Barroso's appointment was met with mixed reactions from European lawmakers, with some expressing concerns about his experience and leadership abilities.
  • The European Council nominated Barroso as the Commission President by qualified majority, as provided for in the Treaty of Nice.
  • Barroso's nomination must still be approved by the European Parliament, which will vote on July 22 to decide whether to confirm him as the new Commission President.
  • The EPP has welcomed Barroso's appointment, while the PES, Greens, and ELDR groups have expressed serious doubts about his suitability for the role.
  • Barroso's ability to demonstrate a broad European vision and his experience in promoting the European project are major concerns among lawmakers.
  • The ELDR group has stated that it will give Barroso the benefit of the doubt, but will require him to demonstrate his leadership abilities and vision for Europe.

Statistics:

  • 25: The number of Commissioners the new Commission will be composed of, one from each Member State under the Treaty of Nice.
  • November 1: The date when the new Commission will take office.
  • 24: The number of designated Commissioners that the Council will draw up in agreement with the nominee for Commission President.
  • 10: The number of days the new European Parliament will meet in October to conduct hearings for the new Commissioners.
  • 392: The number of votes Romano Prodi received to become Commission President in 1999.
  • 67: The number of votes against Romano Prodi to become Commission President in 1999.
  • 41: The number of abstentions in the vote to elect Romano Prodi as Commission President in 1999.
  • 262: The number of votes Jacques Santer received to become Commission President in 1995.
  • 245: The number of votes against Jacques Santer to become Commission President in 1995.
  • 23: The number of abstentions in the vote to elect Jacques Santer as Commission President in 1995.

Sources:

  • European Council
  • Treaty of Nice
  • European Parliament
  • Romano Prodi
  • Jacques Santer
  • Jose Manuel Durao Barroso
  • EPP
  • PES
  • Greens
  • ELDR
  • "Europe Information"

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