HC Deb 10 November 1997 vol 300 c392W
Mr. Streeter

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if the President of the European Commission is required, under the Amsterdam treaty, to give reasons for rejecting the nomination for Commissioner of any member state; and if he will make a statement. [14745]

Mr. Doug Henderson

There is no such requirement under the Treaty of Amsterdam. Article 158(2) of the Treaty establishing the European Community as amended by the Treaty of Amsterdam provides for future members of the European Commission to be nominated by the Governments of the member states "by common accord" with the nominee for President. This will inevitably entail dialogue between the nominee for President and the Governments of the member states.