Brussels, 09/07/2009 (Agence Europe) - After having expressed their political support for José Manuel Barroso as president of the next European Commission during the June summit (EUROPE 9925), the 27 member states formally decided on Thursday 9 July, by written procedure, to nominate Mr Barroso as candidate of the European Council for this post between 1 November 2009 and 31 October 2014. The decision was immediately transmitted to the European Parliament, which will have to decide when it intends to vote on this candidacy. After dismissing the option of a vote at the constitutive session of the new parliament in Strasbourg next week, a majority of the political groups at the EP would be in favour of a vote in September (EUROPE 9936). On 9 July, Mr Barroso pointed out that he was prepared to meet the different political groups at the EP to discuss his “political orientations” for the next five years. In a letter to the president of the EP, Mr Barroso stated, “the challenges we face - from the economic and financial crisis to climate change and energy security - call for a clear vision, a strong EU and a sustained cooperation between strong EU institutions. I believe that I have the vision and the experience to lead the Commission as it tackles these challenges”. (H.B./trans/rh)