The nomination of Antonio Tajani as the new Italian European Commissioner has been received very well in Malta as Mr Tajani - an MEP for the past 14 years - is known to be very close to the island particularly to the two Nationalist MEPs Simon Busuttil and David Casa.
The two MEPs form part of the same political family in the European Parliament, the EPP-ED group. Mr Tajani is vice president of the European People's Party, the Parliament's largest party.
Mr Tajani, a former spokesman for Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, will be replacing Franco Frattini who decided to return to Italian politics as Foreign Minister in Mr Berlusconi's fourth government.
Mr Tajani will, however, not take Mr Frattini's former job as Commissioner for Justice and Home Affairs as Commission President Josè Manuel Barroso had already decided to assign this important portfolio to French Commissioner Jacques Barrot.
Instead, following his approval by the EU Council and the European Parliament, Mr Tajani will be taking up Mr Barrot's current responsibilities as Transport Commissioner.
Mr Tajani pursued a career as a journalist before entering politics, becoming a member of the European Parliament in 1994, where he led the Forza Italia delegation.
Speaking to The Times yesterday, the Nationalist MEPs described Mr Tajani's nomiation as good news for Malta.
"I am delighted at Antonio's appointment since, as head of the Maltese delegation in my group, I have worked closely with him for the past four years and we have established a great working relationship and struck a very good friendship," Dr Busuttil said.
"His appointment is very good news for us because he is a great friend of Malta. I am sure that he will keep Malta in mind when dealing with the sensitive dossiers on transport, especially on maritime transport where our country has a direct interest as a maritime nation."
Mr Casa also welcomed the appointment of the new commissioner. "I consider the new Italian Commissioner-designate as a good friend but also as a friend of our country," he said.
"We have always counted on his support as head of the Forza Italia delegation in matters that concerned Malta. I am sure that he will be a hands-on Commissioner and I can clearly say that Malta now has another friend at the Berlyamont (Commission headquarters)."
Meanwhile, in his resignation letter to Commission President Barroso, Mr Frattini said that his decision to leave the Commission was a "difficult one", describing his time at the EU executive as a highly rewarding experience.
"I am proud of the results we have achieved during my term of office. I have always been and will remain a committed and dedicated European and, in my new capacity, I will strive to help Europe grow faster and stronger," he said.
The term of the current Commission ends in October 2009.