Barroso defends programme before EU leaders[fr][de] 

The Commission president is due to address the summit today ahead of a dinner during which EU leaders are expected to discuss his application and back him for a second term.

"I would like to confirm that should I be nominated by the European Council and approved by the European Parliament, I would take this as a mandate to implement the ambitious political vision Europe needs for the next five years," Barroso states in the letter.

The move represents a departure from EU tradition, as Commission presidents are usually appointed on their personal merits after closed-door discussions between European heads of state and government.

Barroso has recently come under heavy pressure from French President Nicolas Sarkozy and German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who have asked him to present his "programme" before endorsing him (EurActiv 12/06/09).

Sarkozy in particular has criticised Barroso for pushing liberal economic policies with scant regard for jobs, and reiterated his plea for a "protective Europe" (EurActiv 2/06/09).

In his letter, Barroso attempts to appease those critics, saying his ambition is to build a Europe "that refuses all forms of economic protectionism but is clear in its determination to protect and promote the European interest worldwide".

Outlining his ambitions for the next five years, Barroso states his belief in "an open, competitive, and prosperous Europe," based on open markets and which "invests in its future" with research and innovation programmes.

The letter speaks of maintaining Europe's "leadership in fighting climate change" and promises to "pave the way for smarter, greener and more sustainable growth". He also pledges to "continue the drive towards effective regulation and supervision of global financial markets".

The newly-elected Parliament is holding a vote by secret ballot during its opening plenary session in July to approve or reject the proposed new Commission president. 

But the outcome is uncertain, as the new Parliament is more fragmented than the previous one, and opposition leaders in the Greens, Liberal and Socialist camp are mounting a campaign to oust Barroso (EurActiv 10/06/09).