European Commission: approval of appointment of Members and of President, Romano Prodi

The European Parliament approved the appointment of Mr. Romano Prodi as President of the Commission to run until 22 January 2005 by 414 to 142 with 35 abstentions. In a series of separate votes, Mr. Prodi's term of office to replace the existing Commission to run until 22/01/2000 by 446 votes to 123, with 23 abstentions, while the appointment of the Commission to run for the same term was approved by 427 to 138 with 29 abstentions. In two other votes, the appointment of Mr. Prodi as President from 23/01/2000 to 22/01/2005 was approved by 426 votes to 134, with 32 abstentions, while the appointment of the Commission for the same period was approved by 404 to 153 with 37 abstentions. Prior to the approval vote, MEPs voted 508 to 51 with 28 abstentions in favour of a resolution calling for the establishment of an inter-institutional agreement to confirm the new code of conduct between the Commission and the Parliament, as set out by Mr. Prodi in his earlier address to political group leaders. In his acceptance speech, Mr. Prodi agreed to this. He reaffirmed his commitment to transparency, efficiency, reporting to Parliament and accountability. While he referred to the importance of 'collegiality', he stated that this would not be used as a shield to avoid responsibility by individual Commissioners. In addition, protection would be given to officials seeking to expose wrong-doings. The Parliament's concern regarding closer dialogue with the citizen was taken up by Mr. Prodi who intends to issue policy guidelines in early 2000. He also emphasised the need to restore consumer confidence on such issues as food safety and to promote sustainable development. The European Parliament will be involved in preparations for the forthcoming IGC to decide on the necessary reforms for enlargement and as a basis for issues to be discussed. He mentioned that he had commissioned a report by three experts. Job creation and the reform of the welfare system would be high on his agenda, as well as enlargement.