Brussels, 19/08/2014 (Agence Europe) - Belgium is lagging behind in putting forward a candidate for the post of European Commissioner. It is the only country which has so far failed to do so, as all of the others have presented Jean-Claude Juncker, the President of the next European Commission, with a candidate, or a list of three individuals in contention for a Commissioner's portfolio.
The names presented to Juncker in late July have not been made public (see EUROPE 11133). Since then, however, the Slovenian candidates - Alenka Bratusek, Karl Erjavec and Tanja Fajon - have come to light, as has the Cypriot candidate, Christos Stylianides. Denmark and the Netherlands are still maintaining secrecy.
Bulgaria had not complied until recently, but Sofia decided on 5 August to reappoint Kristalina Georgieva, the current Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid.
Belgium is therefore the only country which has not told Juncker of its intentions. The country is currently negotiating the formation of its future government, and the name of the candidate for the post of Commissioner is part of the discussions. The question is expected to be dealt with in the next few days. Didier Reynders appears to be the most likely candidate, although the names of Marianne Thyssen and of the current Commissioner, Karel De Gucht, are still doing the rounds.
Time is short for a decision to be taken, as the head of state and government are to meet on 30 August to discuss the distribution of the portfolios, and formally to appoint the next High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs.
Juncker hopes to put forward the final composition of the College in early September. This task is proving extremely complex. The former Luxembourg Prime Minister must make sure that enough women are represented - in view of the fact that the current Commission has nine women - to satisfy the European Parliament in particular. According to one European source, there is an “optimistic count” of eight women at present, meaning that Juncker has work to do to increase the number. The same source also suggests that the Parliament may be less strict if the women were given weightier jobs, such as the vice-presidencies. A hint to Belgium, which may be able to negotiate a sizeable portfolio despite its late reaction? (MD)