European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso, has decided to reinforce the role of the Commissioner competent for economic and monetary affairs by elevating the post to that of Vice-President, and giving the post-holder additional working instruments.

 

The Vice President – Olli Rehn – will assist the President on all matters relating to the work of the European Council, Euro Area summits and economic governance. Consistent with the role of the European Commission as the day-to-day economic manager of the European Union and without prejudice to the President's own role, Vice President Rehn will also exercise the Commission's responsibilities in the external representation of the Euro area.

 

President Barroso has also decided to guarantee the independent collection of statistical data by entrusting the responsibility for Eurostat to the European Commissioner for Taxation, Customs, Audit and Anti-fraud, Algirdas Šemeta.