The Commission has played its role to the full

To criticise the Commission in general – and Barroso in particular – seems to be an easy fall-back position for some, and not just for the usual Eurosceptics. If the Commission adopts positions and takes initiatives, it is accused of interfering; when, to achieve progress, it seeks compromises, it is criticised for being too timid or for ‘forgetting' its responsibilities.

Read the full article by Commissioner Almunia here

Peter Sutherland defends the Barroso Commission in the FT

This Commission has strongly defended its prerogatives and the key economic policies where it has powers. As for grand projects, they do not come along every day, but the Commission and its president, José Manuel Barroso, have led globally on a number of issues such as climate change, fostering the green economy and energy policy.

Read here Peter Sutherland's reply to Wolfgang Münchau in defense of President Barroso

German Socialists Support a Barroso II

European Commission President José Manuel Barroso seems well-placed to win a second term after the leader of Germany's Social Democrats, Franz Müntefering, said yesterday (27 May) that there was little point in the European Socialists naming their own alternative candidate in an attempt to halt the incumbent's re-appointment.

Continue reading this article here