Juncker announces new line-up of European Commission

Jean-Claude Juncker, the incoming president of the European Commission (EC), presents the list of the European Commissioners and their jobs for the next five years, during a news conference at the EC headquarters in Brussels September 10, 2014. Juncker handed key economic and financial responsibilities to French and British members of a restructured, 28-strong team he unveiled on Wednesday.[Photo/Agencies]

BRUSSELS - European Commission President-elect Jean-Claude Juncker announced the new line-up of the European Commission on Wednesday, with politicians from Britain, Germany, France, Sweden and Netherlands assigned to important posts.

Among the 28 members, 14 are affiliated with the European People's Party (EPP), 8 with the Progressive Alliance of Social Democrats (S&D), 5 with the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE) and 1 with the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR).

Among the 7 Vice-Presidents, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and the First Vice-President are affiliated with the Progressive Alliance of Social Democrats (S&D), 3 Vice-Presidents are affiliated with the European People's Party (EPP) and 2 with the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE).

Jonathan Hill, the leader of British House of Lords and a member of Cameron's cabinet, got the portfolio of Financial Stability, Financial Services and Capital Markets Union.

France's outgoing finance minister, Pierre Moscovici, will be the new commissioner for economic and Financial Affairs, Taxation and Customs.

Dutch Foreign Minister Frans Timmermans, the elected first Vice-President Commissioner, will be the right-hand of the President of European Commission. This is the first time that there is a first Vice-President Commissioner dedicated to a better regulation agenda.

Gunther Oettinger of Germany, former energy affairs Commissioner, will be the Commissioner for Digital Economy and Society in his new term.

Cecilia Malmstrom, a Swedish Politician currently serving as European Commissioner for Home Affairs in the Barroso Commission, was awarded the new trade Commissioner, which is a vital part of Europe's economic recovery.

Talking about how the new commission work for the next 5 years,

Juncker promised that he will push the new Commission to reform to put Europe back on the path to jobs and growth.

"We have to be open to change. We have to show that the Commission can change. What I present to you today is a political,

dynamic and effective European Commission, geared to give Europe its new start," Juncker said.

"In the new Commission, there are no first or second-class Commissioners -- there are team leaders and team players. They will work together in a spirit of collegiality and mutual dependence. I want to overcome silo-mentalities and introduce a new collaborative way of working in areas where Europe can really make a difference," Juncker added.

The 28-strong commission includes nine women, the minimum deemed necessary to win a vote of confidence in the European parliament next week.

Once the European parliament has given its consent, the European Council formally appoints the European Commission.

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