New EU chiefs hold first meeting

Durao Barroso has welcomed the number of women commissioners

The recently appointed members of the new European Commission are meeting for the first time in Brussels on Friday.

New Commission President Jose Manuel Durao Barroso is expected to use the meeting to set out his vision of how the new team should work together.

No in-depth debate is forecast, but observers say Mr Barroso may take the chance to put his mark on proceedings.

Before taking office on 1 November, the 25 commissioners face confirmation hearings in the European Parliament.

Mr Barroso has emphasised the importance of fighting harder for economic reform and of selling the idea of Europe more effectively to the general public.

Appointments

In an interview with the UK's Financial Times newspaper, he said the 25-member EU could become the world's top economy in competitive terms.

"The goal of becoming the most competitive economy in the world is one we can achieve and we should not feel discouraged," he said.

The new commissioners EU chiefs hold 'bonding session'

Mr Barroso unveiled the portfolios for his 24 new commissioners earlier this month.

Industry, transport and trade went to commissioners from Germany, France and the UK respectively.

But commissioners from smaller or more recent EU member states were also given important portfolios.

Siim Kallas from Estonia, which joined on 1 May, was made a vice-president with responsibility for tackling fraud.

Mr Barroso has described the proposed commissioners as a "strong and balanced team" which also has the highest ever number of women members - eight out of the 25.