Memo: Commissioners designate for the next Commission

Following the election of the President of the Commission, José Manuel Barroso, in September 2009, and the naming of the High Representative / Vice President of the Commission, Catherine Ashton, in November, all Member States have now nominated Commissioners designate. President Barroso will now proceed with the allocation of portfolios. Hearings at the European Parliament will then take place in January 2010 before the College of Commissioners as a whole will be subject to a vote of approval by the European Parliament.