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Brussels, Holland in conflict over Kroes

Tuesday 24 November 2009

The Netherlands is embroiled in a row with Brussels about which European commission job will go to the Dutch in the current portfolio shake-up, the Financieele Dagblad reports.

Prime minister Jan Peter Balkenende wants to send a fellow Christian Democrat to Brussels but European Liberals are keen to see a heavyweight like Neelie Kroes in the job, the paper says.

In addition, Balkenende is demanding either the internal market, trade, agriculture or justice commissioner posts, the paper says, quoting sources.

Dutch interests

While Balkenende has said Kroes is on his list of potential candidates cabinet sources say ministers are asking if the next Dutch commissioner should be someone who can better defend the Netherlands interests, the paper says.

CDA member Yvonne van Rooy, former junior economic affairs minister and current chairwoman of Utrecht University is being tipped as a potential candidate, the paper says.

However, Belgian Liberal Guy Verhofstadt is lobbying hard to get a Liberal into the top jobs, which would open up the way for Kroes.

Kroes, who is keen to have a second term on the commission, said earlier this month she would consider 'another economic portfolio'.

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Readers' comments

Will wonders never cease. Lets put our own interests ahead of the common good.

Kroes has done a wonderful job. Not only should she be the person endorsed by the Netherlands; she should retain the current job.

Balkenende, the lame duck, is putting his and CDA's interests ahead of the proper decision. I am not surprised.

By bobsocks | November 24, 2009 11:54 AM

I think I recall a Christian solution somewhere in the Bible:

Cast lots to decide,

or was it,

Throw them to the lions, and see who survives

By Gerard | November 24, 2009 12:39 PM

Commissioners are not supposed to defend Dutch interests, their mandate is to protect European interests.

By Mattias | November 24, 2009 12:41 PM

To Gerard: Please keep your anti Christian comments to yourself. It is obvious you have no understanding. The Christian solution is love!
Casting lots and throwing to the lions were Roman practices recorded in the Bible.

Well said Mattias!

To Editor: Why don't you filter out religious insults as well as racist, sexist and homophobic comments? And note, Islam is also a religion!

By AC | November 24, 2009 3:45 PM

Comments have been closed for this article.

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