30/09/2004 (Agence Europe) - During her hearing before MEPs, the Commissioner-designate for competition, Neelie Kroes, did not manage to dissipate fears about her albeit essential independence, a press release from German Christian Democrat Werner Langen states (see EUROPE of 29 September, p.5). Economic proficiency is naturally important but independence when it comes to companies is still more so, the MEP insists. Noting that Ms Kroes herself asked to be exempted from dealing with dossiers that she had handled in earlier posts, warned: "A Commissioner thus reduced would not have the necessary authority" According to Mr Langen, after the hearings and before the final Parliament vote, it will still be necessary to discuss with President Barroso about the best way to distribute portfolios between Commissioners.