European Commission may have term extended to March

An extension to the mandate of the 27 members of the European Commission, which elapses on Saturday, is expected to be approved by EU leaders meeting for a crucial two-day summit in Brussels today.

The move is a result of the latest institutional hiccup surrounding the Lisbon Treaty after Czech President Vaclav Klaus refused to sign the document before getting an opt-out of the fundamental rights charter.

“According to the draft summit conclusions, EU leaders will be proposing an extension to the current Commission to serve in a caretaker format until the new treaty enters into force,” an EU official said yesterday.

This means the EU Executive, which includes Commissioner Joe Borg, will remain in office until the treaty is completely signed off and a new Commission appointed.

The official said it was not yet known how long the present Commission would remain in office: “It will surely be some more months, although EU leaders are not expected to enter into timeframes. The current Commission will serve as long as necessary, possibly even until March”.

Meanwhile, following Germany’s nomination of its commissioner-designate earlier this week, Austria yesterday made its nomination official by naming Science Minister Johannes Hahn. Mr Hahn will be succeeding Benita Ferrero Waldner.

The latest nominations are expected to pile more pressure on Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi to submit Malta’s nomination.

So far, Malta has remained silent over its appointment while other countries have already indicated their choice to Commission President José Manuel Barroso, who has the final say on the assignment of portfolios.

The summit is also expected to discuss the EU’s strategy on the UN climate change conference in Copenhagen in December, the financial crisis and the EU’s response to illegal immigration.

Foreign Affairs Minister Tonio Borg will also be attending the summit.