Finland proposes Olli Rehn for EU Commission

Nice or Lisbon rules, the European Union needs a new Commission soon (in principle from 1 November 2009). Every member states needs to put forward a candidate, although one or more may be left outside, if the Treaty of Nice applies.



The international edition of the Finnish daily Helsingin Sanomat reports that the government of Finland has now officially proposed Olli Rehn to become member of the next EU Commission.

Currently Dr Rehn is Commissioner responsible for enlargement.

The announcement comes as no surprise, as it only officially confirms what members of the Finnish government have said for a long time.

Rehn is known as a competent Commissioner, but it remains to be seen if he has chances to become the new High Representative or to grab a high profile portfolio in the Barroso II Commission.


Ralf Grahn