The Vice-President of the European Commission, Neil Kinnock, has unveiled plans for a radical reform in the work of the EU's executive arm.

They include an overhaul of personnel policy, making appointments mainly on the basis of merit.

Commission finances will meanwhile be monitored by independent auditors and its spending tied to a list of priorities.

Mr Kinnock said the changes would bring about a complete change in the Commission's work, making it more effective and accountable.

A BBC correspondent says the commission hopes the reforms will improve its standing after allegations of cronyism and mismanagement led to the resignation of its predecessor last year.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service