President Barroso on the consequences of a possible resignation of Vice-President Franco Frattini from the Commission

Further to questions on the consequences of a possible resignation of Vice-President Franco Frattini from the Commission, the Commission Spokesperson has made the following statement on behalf of the Commission President, José Manuel Barroso:

"In order to fully ensure the coherence and effectiveness of the complex and sensitive work in the justice, liberty and security portfolio, the President has decided that in case Vice-President Frattini will resign from the Commission, he will ask Vice-President Barrot, who is currently replacing Vice-President Frattini in an outstanding way, to take responsibility for the portfolio for the rest of the mandate.

In such a case, the replacement for Vice-President Frattini to be nominated by the Italian authorities will be in charge of the transport portfolio that is the current responsibility of Vice-President Barrot."

Background

Article 217, paragraph 2 of the Treaty establishing the European Community

The responsibilities incumbent upon the Commission shall be structured and allocated among its Members by its President. The President may reshuffle the allocation of those responsibilities during the Commission's term of office. The Members of the Commission shall carry out the duties devolved upon them by the President under his authority.