European Commission president Jose Manuel Barroso has indicated his intention to assign Croatia’s commissioner-designate Neven Mimica the consumer protection portfolio, which forms part of Malta’s Commissioner Tonio Borg’s responsibilities.

Such an assignment will mean that Dr Borg will end up responsible solely for health.

The European Commission said President Barroso met Mr Mimica and confirmed his agreement to his candidacy.

After the necessary consultation of the European Parliament, the Council will appoint, by common accord with the President of the Commission, the new Commissioner, so as to allow him to take up his post on July 1.

Mr Mimica is currently the deputy Prime Minister for Foreign Affairs and European Integration of Croatia. He has a long-standing commitment to European integration with extensive experience as a minister and diplomatic adviser.