The pressure is mounting on the Prime Minister to nominate Malta's Commissioner as Germany set the ball rolling by submitting the name of its representative.
Berlin's decision is being interpreted in Brussels as a signal to other member states that the final round of nominations has started and that those still undecided should make up their mind quickly or risk being left out in the cold with a minor portfolio.
It is known that whatever Berlin does is usually followed by others.
"The fact (German Chancellor) Angela Merkel decided to make her nomination days before the EU summit means the next gathering of EU leaders later this week will be decisive for the formation of the new European Commission," Commission sources said.
In a surprise move, Ms Merkel nominated the minister-president of Baden Wuerttemberg, Guenther Oettinger, to be Germany's next commissioner. The 56 year-old Christian Democrat politician is not considered to be on good terms with the Chancellor and many German newspapers described the appointment as "getting rid of a thorn in Ms Merkel's government".
Although it is up to Commission President José Manuel Barroso to decide on the portfolios, Germany is seeking an important economic dossier and is likely to get it using its clout as the EU's biggest member state.
However, Mr Barroso is expected to use the summit, starting tomorrow, to make his final consultations with heads of state and of government to seek their nominations and discuss portfolios.
"Mr Barroso will be awaiting the nominees from France, Spain and Poland before making his final decisions as Italy and the UK are expected to retain the same commissioners," a Commission official said.
"However it is obvious Mr Barroso will hold one-to-one meetings with leaders to discuss the next Commission and will be demanding names from those who have not yet made up their mind."
Several member states, particularly those that have decided to keep the incumbent for another term, have already informed Mr Barroso of their decision. These include Portugal, Estonia, Cyprus, Luxembourg, Lithuania, Slovenia, Slovakia, Finland, Belgium and Latvia. Other member states are expected to decide on their nominations before the start of this week's summit.
Malta has not yet communicated its nomination to Brussels.
Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi has a restricted list of candidates to choose from in the form of incumbent Commissioner Joe Borg, Social Policy Minister John Dalli and Richard Cachia Caruana, the island's permanent representative to the EU.
The Times is informed that, if offered, all candidates are willing to accept the post.
Dr Gonzi will be meeting Mr Barroso tomorrow, first in a meeting of European People's Party group leaders and later during the EU summit. Commission sources said the subject of Malta's new commissioner "will definitely be raised by Mr Barroso".