§ Mr. BercowTo ask the Prime Minister if he will make a statement on his meeting with Mr. Romani Prodi on 14 April; what subjects were discussed; what decisions were reached; and if he will place the plans for European Commission reform submitted by Mr. Prodi to that meeting in the Library. [83541]
§ The Prime MinisterHeads of State and Government met Mr. Prodi on 14 April to discuss Commission reform. As the meeting was informal, no formal papers were submitted to it and there were no formal conclusions. However, Heads did agree to discuss the reform process with Mr. Prodi again at the Cologne European Council in June. I will, of course, make a statement to the House after that Council, and the conclusions and other relevant documents will be placed in the Library.
Mr. Prodi's formal statements on reform have consistently shown that he supports a Commission which is more efficient, transparent and accountable. The UK fully supports these objectives.
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§ Mr. BercowTo ask the Prime Minister when he plans to announce his nominations for the two United Kingdom EU Commissioners ; and when he intends to discuss potential candidates with the President-nominate. [83475]
§ The Prime MinisterIn accordance with the Amsterdam Treaty, now that Mr. Prodi's nomination as Commission President has been approved by the European Parliament, member states will begin to consult with him on nomination of the other Commissioners. The two nominees from the United Kingdom will be announced as soon as this consultation has been completed.