Today, the Bulgarian nominee to the new European Commission, Ms Rumiana Jeleva, withdrew her candidature. Bulgarian Prime Minister Borisov has in the meantime informed President Barroso of his intention to suggest Ms Kristalina Georgieva, currently Vice-President of the World Bank, as member of the European Commission.

President Barroso will meet her as soon as possible, with a view to considering his agreement to that suggestion. The next step will be for the new Designate to go before the Members of the European Parliament, in particular the members of the Development committee, for a formal hearing.

The European Parliament must approve all the Commissioners-designate as a group. The plenary vote in order to do this was scheduled for 26 January but this must now be deferred. This means that the current Commission will remain in office for a little longer.

The process of the investiture of the new Commission will however be concluded at the earliest opportunity.