The announcement of EU Commission President Barroso's proposed new college of Commissioners has been welcomed as a boost for Liberal Democrat policies in Europe and a confirmation of the Conservatives' irrelevance.

Andrew Duff MEP (East of England), Liberal Democrat European Spokesman on Constitutional Affairs said:

"I am delighted that Liberals and Democrats have been given eight Commission posts - including the key portfolio of Economic and Monetary Affairs (Olli Rehn).

"At a time of economic crisis, we need Liberal policies to help the UK and all of Europe to return to robust growth."

Fiona Hall MEP (North East of England), Leader of the Liberal Democrat MEPs added:

"Liberal Democrats have campaigned on three key priority areas for Europe: the economy, the environment and crime and civil liberties.

"The new European Commission announced today hands all of those portfolios to Liberal Democrat parties , and we look forward to Liberal solutions to Europe's problems.

"By contrast, the Conservatives' new group has been given nothing at all and remains at the sidelines, impotent and ignored."


ENDS.


NOTES TO EDITORS
Responsibilities of the Commissioners-designate (Liberals and Democrats in bold)

- Joaqu ín ALMUNIA: Competition. Vice-President of the Commission.

- László ANDOR: Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion.

- Baroness Catherine ASHTON: High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security and Vice-President of the Commission.

- Michel BARNIER: Internal Market and Services.

- Dacian CIOLOS: Agriculture and Rural Development.

- John DALLI: Health and Consumer Policy.

- Maria DAMANAKI: Maritime Affairs and Fisheries.

- Karel DE GUCHT: Trade.

- Š tefan FÜLE: Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy. *

- Johannes HAHN: Regional Policy.

- Connie HEDEGAARD: Climate Action.

- Maire GEOGHEGAN-QUINN: Research and Innovation.

- Rumiana JELEVA: International Cooperation, Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Response. *

- Siim KALLAS: Transport. Vice-President of the Commission.

- Neelie KROES: Digital Agenda. Vice-President of the Commission.

- Janusz LEWANDOWSKI: Budget and Financial Programming.

- Cecilia MALMSTRÖM: Home Affairs.

- Günter OETTINGER: Energy.

- Andris PIEBALGS: Development.*

- Janez POTO Č NIK: Environment.

- Viviane REDING: Justice, Fundamental Rights and Citizenship. Vice-President of the Commission.

- Olli REHN: Economic and Monetary Affairs.

- Maro š Š EF Č OVI Č : Vice-President of the Commission for Inter-Institutional Relations and Administration.

- Algirdas Š EMETA: Taxation and Customs Union, Audit and Anti-Fraud.

- Antonio TAJANI: Industry and Entrepreneurship. Vice-President of the Commission.

- Androulla VASSILIOU: Education, Culture, Multilingualism and Youth.