The Czech and incoming Swedish presidencies of the EU will now start negotiations with political groups in Parliament in order to see whether a majority of MEPs are ready to support him.
A vote is expected in mid-July, but the Socialists, Greens and Liberals have started mounting a campaign against his re-appointment (EurActiv 10/06/09). Concessions to win their approval could include chairs of important parliamentary committees, according to sources familiar with the matter.
"I am extremely proud of the unanimous support that I've received from heads of state and government," Barroso said at a press conference late on Thursday, adding he had been "moved" by the "strong manifestation of support" he received from all EU leaders.
"I have the feeling that the work of this Commission has been recognised," he said.
Jan Fischer, the Czech prime minister whose country currently holds the rotating EU presidency, said Barroso offered guarantees of stability in uncertain times. "Barroso got approval left and right of the political spectrum," Fischer pointed out.
"We want to avoid delays and be effective," Fischer said, adding that he hoped Barroso would be confirmed by Parliament "as soon as possible".
The former Portuguese prime minister highlighted the fact that he had received support from left and right-wing leaders and expressed his hope that Parliament would do the same.
"Europe has to be a cross-party project,” Barroso said. "It has to be political but not partisan," he added, saying "we have to think beyond political parties".
Asked about his priorities for his second mandate, the former Portuguese prime minister said he would first focus on tackling the financial and economic crisis. Striking a deal at the UN global climate talks in Copenhagen is his second short-term priority, he said. He did not elaborate on other long-term challenges or programmes.
The leaders gave Barroso their political support, but stopped short of adopting a legally-binding endorsement for fear of being rebuffed by Parliament in its July vote.
Diplomats said EU leaders would legally endorse Barroso by a written procedure if exploratory talks with Parliament's heads of political groups show a majority emerging in his favour. A formal vote would then take place in mid-July during the Parliament's opening plenary.
Meanwhile, EU leaders postponed until later today (19 June) a decision on the guarantees offered to Ireland in exchange for a second vote on the Lisbon Treaty, which the Irish rejected in a referendum last year.
Ireland would favour a protocol with a legal status equal to the draft treaty, but this could re-open a wave of ratifications in some member states, with an uncertain outcome.
