Decision approving the Commission in its new form

PURPOSE : to approve the new Commission in its new form for the remainder of its term of office until 30/10/2004.

PROPOSED ACT : proposal for a Decision of the European Parliament.

CONTENT : the aim of this proposal is to approve the candidates nominated by the 10 acceding Member States for appointment as Members of the Commission, namely :

- Péter Balàzs, Joe Borg, Ján Figel', Dalia Grybauskaitè, Danuta Hübner, Siim Kallas, Sandra Kalniete, Markos Kyprianou, Janez Potocnik and Pavel Telicka.

The hearings of the candidates were conducted by the European Parliament on 13-15 April 2004.

With regard to the resignation of Michel Barnier as Commissioner tendered on 31 March 2004, the French government proposed the nomination of Mr Jacques Barrot as his replacement. In addition, with the resignation of Mr Pedro Solbes as Commissioner tendered on 17 April 2004, Mr Joaquín Almunia was appointed by Spain for this position.

In accordance with the procedure set out in the treaties and Parliament's Rules of Procedure, Parliament will have to approve the new Commission in advance of its taking up its duties on 1 November 2004 and that comprehensive and decisive hearings by Parliament's committees will take place at that stage.