European Parliament approves new Italian commissioner

The European Parliament on Thursday voted in favour of the appointment of former MEP Antonio Tajani as European Commissioner for Transport.

MEPs also voted for a change in the portfolio of Commission Vice President Jacques Barrot, who is taking over responsibility for freedom, security and justice.

Mr Barrot's change in portfolio was approved by 489 votes in favour, 52 against and 19 abstentions. Mr Tajani got a higher approval with 507 votes in favour, 53 against and 64 abstentions. He is now also a vice president of the Commission.

The changes follow the resignation from the Commission of Franco Frattini, who is now Foreign Minister in the Italian government.

Commission President José Manuel Barroso asked Mr Barrot , who has been vice president of the Commission since 2004, to take over Mr Frattini's role as Commissioner for Freedom, Security and Justice while Mr Barrot's former responsibility for transport goes to Mr Tajani.

The two commissioners faced hearings before the relevant parliamentary committees on Monday evening.

Mr Tajani is considered to be close to Malta, not only because of his nationality but also due to the fact that he used to work in the same group as the two Nationalist MEPs Simon Busuttil and David Casa.

Mr Tajani has appointed a Maltese national - Fabio Pirotta - to act as his spokesman, the first Maltese to occupy such a position.