Jean-Claude Juncker to chair the new European Commission

The European Parliament has voted in support of the new European Commission, led by Jean-Claude Juncker, that would replace the outgoing commission under chairmanship of Jose Manuel Barroso on November 1. Ria NOVOSTI writes about this.

The commission make-up was approved by 423 “yes” votes, with 209 “no” votes and 67 abstentions.

Juncker had to change some of his appointments to the Commission after objections from the European Parliament members prior to the vote. He also expressed regret that he had been unable to appoint more than nine women to the Commission.

The European Parliament approved the nomination of Juncker, former Luxembourg prime minister, on July 15.

The European Commission is in charge of drafting EU laws, overseeing national budgets and enforcing EU rules. It has 28 members – one official from each EU nation.