I am very pleased to be here today to present the new team of European Commissioners. When I spoke to this House in April and May, I promised to launch a new era of change in the Commission. The new college of Commissioners that I am presenting to you today is the team to deliver this change. It is a top quality team and a well balanced team. It is the fruit of constructive discussions with the Heads of State and Government, which fully respected the new powers given to the President-designate in the Treaty of Amsterdam.
Every member has a proven track record.
Virtually all have been members of their national parliaments. Three quarters have been Ministers. Several have been leaders of political parties, and others have significant, diplomatic, legal economic, and business experience. I made clear from the beginning that I would not accept fewer women than the previous Commission. I have achieved this, even if I had hoped to do better.