HL Deb 29 March 1999 vol 599 c1WA
Lord Shore of Stepney

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Under the provisions of the European treaties as amended by the Amsterdam Treaty, what will be changed in the procedures for choosing the next President of the European Commission and other Commissioners; and what procedures will be adopted in appointing the Council's new spokesman, the High Representative, on matters covered by the Union's Common Foreign and Security Policy. [HL1571]

Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean

Under the provisions of the European treaties as amended by the Amsterdam Treaty, the procedures for choosing the President of the European Commission and other Commissioners will change in two ways: the EP will have to approve the nomination for President of the Commission instead of being consulted on it; the other members of the Commission will be nominated by the governments of the member states by common accord with the nominee for President rather than in consultation with the nominee for President.

The High Representative on matters covered by the Union's common foreign and security policy will be the Secretary-General of the Council. He or she will be appointed by the Council acting unanimously.