EC power struggle continues

THE power struggle over the make-up of the new EU Commission is continuing with European governments refusing to recall their controversial commissioners as demanded by the European Parliament.

Five heads have been asked for, but so far only Italian Rocco Buttiglone has announced his resignation, saying he was an innocent victim of a crude media campaign.

There is still speculation that in the final shake-up expected to happen at the summit of member state heads in Brussels on Thursday Ireland's commissioner Charlie McCreevy could be moved from his Internal Market post.

The only other government that has indicated it is willing to consider a change is the Hungarian, but this is just a change in portfolio.

The Latvian spokesperson said they were standing behind their commissioner designate, Ingrida Udre. She said their prime minister was in a difficult position as the government fell last week and he is serving in a caretaker capacity and does not feel in a position to change their nominee.

The Dutch are in an embarrassing position as they hold the EU presidency. There has been much criticism of their commissioner Neelie Kreus in the post of Competition because of her strong business links.

Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende had discussions with commission president Jose Manuel Barroso in Rome on Friday and a spokesperson said yesterday: "she is still our candidate and we are still supporting her."

If she is not recalled, Mr Barroso could find himself having to give her another portfolio and Mr McCreevy would be in the shake-up to get this, even though he has said he is happy enough with his Internal Market post.

However, Mr Barroso could find himself in an impossible position if he does not convince at least one of the controversial commissioners to go. Almost his only supporters in the parliament were the Christian Democrat EPP group of which Mr Buttiglione is a member. They accepted that he had to go but demanded that some of the others all members of the Socialists would also have to go.

If they do not, Mr Barroso could find himself without enough support when he returns to parliament for the approval he needs for a new team.

Italian diplomatic sources indicated they did not necessarily want to retain the Justice portfolio which Mr Butiglione had. Their most likely new nominee is foreign minister Franco Frattini. He is a former lawyer and administrative judge and also responsible for giving Italy its first law on conflict of interest for politicians. There are fears this controversial regulation could cause trouble with the European Parliament.