Joe Borg expected to become Malta's EU Commissioner

The Cabinet tomorrow is expected to discuss the appointment of Malta's first European Commissioner.

Informed sources said that Foreign Minister Joe Borg will be the government's first choice for the prestigious job. It is believed that Dr Borg will accept the nomination.

Dr Borg, who was elected from two divisions in last year's general election, would have to give up his portfolio and his seat in Parliament if the nomination goes through.

Prime Minister Eddie Fenech Adami is due to meet European Commission President Romano Prodi later this month to discuss the nomination of the Commissioner.

It is also expected that Dr Fenech Adami's right-hand man, Richard Cachia Caruana, will shortly be appointed Malta's first permanent representative in Brussels. Mr Cachia Caruana, who has been Dr Fenech Adami's personal assistant since 1987, was also the chief negotiator in the EU accession talks.

"Other important political decisions will be unfolding over the coming weeks," the sources said.

Mr Prodi is set to finalise the list of prospective Commissioners by the end of February to enable the European Parliament to conduct hearings. The new Commissioners will stay in office until the end of the current Commission's term in October.

In Mr Prodi's opinion, the new enlarged Commission should include at least three women among the 10 new Commissioners. The current Commission already has five women.