Woman must be among nominees for European Commissioner

Malta will have to nominate three people, one of whom must be a woman, for the prestigious post of European Commissioner, according to the draft European Union Constitution.

The Constitution also states that the Commissioner will be chosen by the President of the European Commission, not the country itself.

The Constitution says that each member state will have to establish a list of three people "in which both genders shall be represented, whom it considers qualified to be a European Commissioner".

In the Maltese scenario, where women in key positions are scarce, it might not be an easy task for Government to nominate a suitably qualified person who is willing to move to Brussels.

It will also mean that the government will have to nominate two other persons for the post of Commissioner.

Government sources said the obvious candidates would come from among the members of the Cabinet. One name which had already been mentioned is that of Foreign Minister Joe Borg, but it is not yet clear whether he is interested in the post.

The draft Constitution says that the President-elect of the Commission will choose one person from each of the proposed lists.

It also says that the President shall choose the Commissioners for their competence, European commitment and guaranteed independence.

The President and those nominated as Commissioners shall be submitted to a vote of approval by the European Parliament. The Commission's term of office shall be five years.

Any European Commissioner shall resign if the President so requests. Also, the College of Commissioners - similar to the Cabinet of ministers - will be responsible to the European Parliament (EP).

The President shall be responsible to the EP for the activities of the Commissioners. The EP may pass a censure motion on the Commission. If such a motion is passed, the European Commissioners must resign. In that scenario, the Commission shall continue to handle everyday business until a new college is nominated.