The incoming President of the European Commission , Mr Jose Manuel Barroso, has said he hopes for 'clear' approval for his reconstituted Commission after the European Parliament set a new date of Nov 18 for a confidence vote.
'I am very satisfied by the general reaction... I hope to have a strong vote, clear majority vote for the commission in the interests of the Union,' Barroso said after talks with party leaders in the EU legislative assembly.
Mr Barroso announced the changes at the EU summit in Brussels last night, just over a week after he withdrew the Commission from consideration by MEPs rather than face certain rejection.
Ireland's commissioner, Mr Charlie McCreevy, is not affected by the reshuffle and will remain in charge of the prestigious internal market portfolio.
Italy's Foreign Minister, Mr Franco Frattini, will replace the controversial Mr Rocco Buttiglione, who stepped down last week as justice and home affairs commissioner. Latvia has replaced its nominee, Ms Ingrida Udre, who faced criticism from MEPs, with Mr Andris Piebalgs, who will become energy commissioner.
The new vote date was agreed by party group leaders after holding talks with Mr Barroso, who unveiled a reshuffled commission team at the two-day EU summit yesterday.
Confirmation hearings for three newly-designated nominees will be held on Nov 15 and 16 at the parliament, which will be holding its next monthly plenary session in Strasbourg.