The European Commission considers the case of John Dalli's resignation as closed, and Malta agrees, as evidenced by the fact that it has nominated a new commissioner, an EU spokesman said today.  

Responding to questions during the daily midday briefing, Commission chief spokesman Olivier Bailly reiterated that Mr Dalli accepted to take President Jose Manoel Barroso's offer to resign.

"Mr Barroso did not need to use his powers accorded by the Treaty (to sack a Commissioner) as Mr Dalli decided out of his free will to accept the President's offer to resign. He did this twice," Mr Bailly said.

"The fact that the Maltese government decided to nominate a new Commissioner is proof that even Malta recognises Mr Dalli resignation, if there was any need for proof," the spokesman said.

Mr Bailly also said that Mr Dalli had all the opportunity to defend himself with legal assistance during the OLAF investigations.

"Mr Dalli was not surprised by the investigations as he was informed about them by OLAF and he was interviewed twice to respond to the allegations. He did this and also availed himself from the opportunity to be accompanied by a lawyer," Mr Bailly said.