Switch to an accessible version of this website which is easier to read. (requires cookies)

"Misbehave and You're Out" - Diana's Message to the Newly Approved European Commission

September 24, 1999 12:00 AM

In Strasbourg today Euro-MPs approved the new European Commission, headed by Commission President Romano Prodi.

As Diana Wallis MEP pointed out, there are, however, conditions attached:

"Parliament approved the Commission today, but only with certain conditions. We made it clear that if a Commissioner receives a vote of no confidence from the European Parliament, we will expect Commission President Prodi to ask them to resign."

Current powers do not allow the European Parliament to sack individual Commissioners; they can only sack the entire Commission at once.

"This is not a satisfactory state of affairs, and one which the Liberal Democrats seek to change. For the moment we have to work within the boundaries of the powers that we do have.

"I have confidence that President Prodi will abide by any future decision of the Parliament and ask a Commissioner to resign, should we wish him to do so."

The Commission was approved by an overwhelming majority of the European Parliament. Only extremist parties voted against the Commission approval and boycotted the following photo opportunity with British Commissioners Chris Patten and Neil Kinnock.

What would you like to do next?

  • Subscribe for updates

    Read updates from this website in your desktop or online news reader

    • On a news reader website

      •  
      •  
      •  

      In a desktop news reader or a website not listed above

      •  
    • Example monthly digest email
      •  
      •  
      •  
    • If you submit your email address, the Liberal Democrats and their elected representatives may use the information you have provided to contact you from time to time about issues we think you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of some or all contacts at any time by contacting us.


    • Generate different image

    Join our email list

    • If you submit your email address, the Liberal Democrats and their elected representatives may use the information you have provided to contact you from time to time about issues we think you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of some or all contacts at any time by contacting us.


    • Generate different image

    Follow the party's activity on...

  • Share this page

    Share this page on another website

    Link to this page

    On websites and printed material:
    dianawallismep.org.uk/en/article/1999/063429/misbehave-and-you-re-out-diana-s-message-to-the-newly-approved-european-commission
    In text messages, Twitter, or reading over the phone:
    dianawallis.org.uk/a92K6

    Email this page to a friend


    • Generate different image
  • Help out or donate

    Help out in your local area

      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
    • If you submit your email address, the Liberal Democrats and their elected representatives may use the information you have provided to contact you from time to time about issues we think you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of some or all contacts at any time by contacting us.


    • Generate different image
  • Tell us what you think

    Send us your views

    • If you choose to join our email list, the Liberal Democrats and their elected representatives may use the information you have provided to contact you from time to time about issues we think you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of some or all contacts at any time by contacting us. You do not need to join our email list to complete this form.


    • Generate different image