Borg's appointment welcomed

The general secretary of the Conference of Peripheral Maritime Regions of Europe has welcomed Joe Borg's appointment as Commissioner for Fisheries and Maritime Affairs, saying, after a meeting with the Maltese commissioner, that "for the first time we can expect a genuine maritime policy in Europe".

Xavier Gizard also welcomed the Green Paper on maritime policy and said the conference would contribute to it.

He said an integrated maritime policy would rely on the EU's regional and sectoral policies for transport, sustainable development, energy, research and development in maritime safety.

The new European Commission, headed by Jose' Manuel Durao Barroso, on Saturday met informally at the Grand Beguinage in Leuven, Belgium (picture).

A spokesman said: "No decisions were taken. The future Commission is getting itself ready for work".

However, sources close to the Commission told The Times that the aim of the meeting was to prepare a common position for the hearings before the European Parliament later this month.

The designate-commissioners are expected to undergo the 'traditional grilling' when they appear before the respective European Parliament committees. Dr Borg shall appear before the fisheries committee on October 5.

The commissioners' meeting also sought to establish the main principles of internal organisation within the Commission.