Press Release: President Barroso on the consequences of a possible resignation of Vice-President Franco Frattini from the Commission

Further to questions on the consequences of a possible resignation of Vice-President Franco Frattini from the Commission, the Commission Spokesperson made the following statement on behalf of the Commission President, José Manuel Barroso:
'In order to fully ensure the coherence and effectiveness of the complex and sensitive work in the justice, liberty and security portfolio, the President has decided that in case Vice-President Frattini will resign from the Commission, he will ask Vice-President Barrot, who is currently replacing Vice-President Frattini in an outstanding way, to take responsibility for the portfolio for the rest of the mandate. In such a case, the replacement for Vice-President Frattini to be nominated by the Italian authorities will be in charge of the transport portfolio that is the current responsibility of Vice-President Barrot.'