Brussels, 10/11/2004 (Agence Europe) - Viviane Reding, Commissioner-designate for information society, media and audio-visual policy at the Barroso Commission provided assurances last week in Luxembourg to the European Newspaper Publishers Association (ENPA) that she would work closely with the media in the framework of the new mission she will be receiving. Mr Barroso has appointed the Luxembourg Commissioner "Coordinator for relations with the media industry". Ms Reding underlined that, "this is the first time that this kind of 'one-stop-shop' for the media industry has been created within the Commission to establish a sound partnership" with sector professionals. The Commissioner indicated that she had no intention of exercising any authority over her colleagues but work as closely as possible with those whose decisions are likely to be affected by the media, Commissioners for competition, internal affairs, employment and social affairs. Ms Reding said that, "my co-ordination role would entail making sure that all aspects of the legislative proposals or EU decision which could affect the media re properly considered". She also said that this partnership would include new issues such as providing the means for implementing a more comprehensive cover of European media issues and the key role of those on debates on European identity. On the question of pluralism of the media, Reding pointed out that the adoption of the White Paper on services of general interest, concluding the competency of Member States in this area, meant that the Commission would have a role of both observer and inspector. She said that competition rules are one of the instruments which the EU could tackle. Ms Reding concluded that, "You can be sure that I seek to safeguard media freedom and media pluralism, which are basic principles of the European Union".