Unanimous support for Second Mandate

EU leaders have given unanimous political backing for Jose Manuel Barroso to become president of the European Commission for a second time, putting an end to months of speculation about his candidacy.

Czech Prime minister Jan Fischer, currently in charge of the EU, said there was "broad and unanimous support" for the centre-right Portuguese politician, who presented some of his plans for his second mandate during a dinner with EU leaders on Thursday evening (18 June).

A clearly-relieved Mr Barroso, who first put out feelers for a second mandate two years ago, said: "what can I say to you except I am extremely proud of the unanimous support I received."

He explained he had received backing from all 27 governments because he has always shown "respect" to all member states regardless of size or geography.

Read the full EUobserver article here

"We need more, not less Europe."

President Barroso sets out his policy ambitions for the next five years in letter addressed to EU heads of state and government.

Please click here to read the full text.

Barroso Mark II

The Council should give a legally binding endorsement to Mr Barroso at its summit next week, to prevent (particularly the big) member states putting pressure on him as he puts together his team.

Read more on the Financial Times here

Pour ou contre un second mandat de Barroso?

Deux journalistes spécialistes des affaires européennes débatent sur les pours et les contres d'un second mandat de Barroso - visonnez le débat sur le site d'Euronews.