Editorial

European Commission president-designate José Manuel Barroso's announcement last week of the portfolios of the 24 commissioners was surprising not only because of its timing but also because of the shrewd choices he made. The announcement was free of the controversy similar announcements have provoked in the past since his choice was fair and balanced, with the reactions from EU capitals being positive, including that from Valletta of the appointment of Commissioner Joe Borg to oversee a new portfolio of Fisheries and Maritime Affairs.

In terms of timing, the announcement came just a week after he received the name of the last commissioner to be nominated and well within Mr Barroso's self-imposed deadline, which was more than a week away. Although the most important portfolios have been allocated to the Netherlands (Competition), Ireland (Internal Market and Services), Britain (Trade) and Germany (Enterprise and Industry), Mr Barroso has retained personal responsibility for the Lisbon agenda.

That he will personally push this agenda, agreed four years ago, with the target of making the EU the most competitive, knowledge-based economy in the world by 2010, is a clear indication that he intends to place a great focus on economic reform. Mr Barroso has demonstrated through this choice that he intends to act independently of the big EU states, although he may not have been the initial choice for the post. He has also been highly adept at assigning jobs to the right people, although he had no say in the choice of nominations from the individual countries.

His intention is for the new Commission, that takes over from that headed by Romano Prodi on November 1 following ratification by the European Parliament, to be "strong, independent and credible". He also wants to promote a collegial approach to decision-making, without forgetting that the smaller countries have a contribution to give and must also pull their weight. Mr Barroso has overcome what could have been a tricky hurdle with astounding ease, giving clear signals that he wants the new Commission to have direction and purpose.

The directorate Dr Borg will be assuming is enlarged for it previously consisted solely of fisheries. It will now include maritime affairs, including the Law of the Sea, formerly the responsibility of the external relations directorate, and the Community Fisheries Control Agency. No one will dispute Malta's strong maritime links and tradition, or its current position as one of the largest ship registries in the world. Yet it is an indication of Mr Barroso's confidence in Dr Borg's capabilities and technical knowhow that he has been appointed to this prestigious post.

It was also indicative that the reaction Dr Borg has received from the local members of the European Parliament (MEPs), who will be ratifying all the new commissioners over a two-week period starting at the end of next month, was also positive. The head of the Nationalist Party delegation to the EP, Dr Simon Busuttil, made the telling point that, although commissioners are bound to act independently of national governments, it is better to have Malta's commissioner working in an area that is immediately relevant to our country.

There will undoubtedly be opportunities for Malta's large maritime infrastructure to be fully involved in any reforms and there will be no excuses in this area about any imposition for the centre of the EU - Brussels.

Similarly, Labour MEP Joseph Muscat expressed confidence in Dr Borg's ability both on a personal and technical level to do the job well. He said it will not be easy for Dr Borg to carry out measures that could harm Malta's national interest.

The selection of the 16 men and eight women who will make up the new commission has also met with a favourable reaction for international observers. Most of the appointees can be expected to deliver and what was seen as a "liberal axis" across the posts of trade, competition and the internal market will ensure that Mr Barroso's choice was inspired and that he has a team that is expected to deliver.