The government information service RVD on Tuesday announced the Dutch government is nominating Neelie Kroes for the new EU Commission. Kroes was among the favorites, but other names had been making the rounds too, like that of former deputy economy minster Yvonne van Rooy, a Christian Democrat.
Kroes is held in high regard in Brussels for her work as competition commissioner in the outgoing Commission. She would have liked to continue in that capacity, but it is known that Commission president José Manuel Barroso is not in favour of commissioners succeeding themselves.
Last week Kroes said she would also consider another high-profile economic portfolio. Exactly which portfolio she will get is not known yet, but it will probably be an economic one. Kroes is also set to become vice-president of thr Commission.
Kroes (68) belongs to the right-wing liberal party VVD, which is currently in the opposition. Two weeks ago she complained that "party politics" were standing in the way of her being nominated for a second term as commissioner.
The Netherlands was among the last countries to put forward a name for the EU Commission. Earlier on Tuesday the Dutch government said it would not do so until Barroso guaranteed the Dutch commissioner would get an important economic portfolio. The Netherlands feels entitled to a high-profile portfolio after prime minister Jan Peter Balkenende was passed over for EU president. That job went to Belgian prime minister Herman Van Rompuy instead.
Barroso has been under a lot of pressure from member countries all wanting a financial or economic portfolio. EU commissioners are designated by their respective countries, but distributing the portfolios among the commissioners if Barroso's job.
Most countries have now named their candidates for the Commission. Germany has proposed Günther Oettinger, the minister-president of the state Baden-Württemberg. France is hoping its former minister Michel Barnier will be given the internal market portfolio. Denmark on Tuesday nominated its climate and energy minister Connie Hedegaard.
Sources close to Barroso say he will announce the composition of the new Commission next week.
