Haggling starts over EU jobs

By Joe Lynam
BBC News

The 'Yes' win in Ireland cleared a key hurdle for the Lisbon Treaty

European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso's closest aides treated themselves to a celebratory pint of Guinness in Kitty O'Shea's, a pub opposite the EU building on Saturday.

Nothing like a relaxing drink before settling down to the real horse-trading that begins this week.

The irritating hornet that was the initial Irish rejection of the Lisbon Treaty, which had been buzzing around the commission president's ear for 16 months, has finally been swatted.

Now he can play his favourite role, that of political Santa Claus - handing out desirable gifts (commission portfolios) to those of his children (EU member states) who have been behaving well (Ireland), and dull but practical presents (e.g. multi-lingualism commissioner) to naughty children (Poland or the Czech Republic).

Even though the process has not officially begun - Lisbon still awaits signatures from the Polish and Czech presidents - the haggling and bullying for top jobs begins this week.

Some countries have already submitted names of their hoped-for candidates, even though Mr Barroso has not formally requested any.

Jobs for the boys

In his plea to MEPs last month for re-election as president, Mr Barroso hinted at a major reshuffle of the portfolios that would be on offer in the new commission which starts at the end of December.

Mr Barroso is facing weeks hard bargaining over commission jobs

In a concession to the Liberals in the European Parliament, it is likely that the justice and home affairs commissioner's job will be split up - creating a new post for fundamental rights and civil liberties.

Liberals and left-wingers will also welcome the promised creation of a climate change commissioner.

This will allow the EU to focus more thoroughly on cutting emissions by 20% by 2020 or whatever even tougher targets are agreed at the International Climate Change summit in Copenhagen this year.

Britain will be particularly interested in a suggested proposal to break up the internal markets portfolio and create a commissioner dedicated to financial services.

This plan would not create a "super regulator" for banks and insurance companies but, if adopted, would co-ordinate action better in the event of banks "misbehaving" again.

It is highly unlikely that the UK, the banking hub of Europe, would be given the job though.

Nor is it likely that any of the more influential member states - Germany, France, Britain, Italy or Spain - will get one of the high-profile or controversial jobs dealing with competition, energy or internal markets.

Reward

In fact, such is the trade-off behind the scenes that if Tony Blair were to become president of the European Council, as rumours suggest, Britain would have to settle for a far more modest commissioner's post.

Tony Blair is tipped to get the new job of EU president

Ironically Ireland, which caused such consternation in Brussels until Saturday's result, is set to get a substantial portfolio as a kind of "reward" for voting "Yes" so decisively.

That is because the Irish vote means the number of commissioners at the table will remain equal to the number of member states at 27.

The original Lisbon Treaty had envisaged cutting that number to streamline decision-making.

Of course, there is one almost guaranteed way a country can improve its chances of getting a juicier portfolio in the new commission - suggest a woman.

Jose Manuel Barroso has been quite open in his preference for more female commissioners.

And, with four women retiring next month anyway, he needs at least that number to achieve his goal of increased gender balance.