EU leaders approve Barroso candidature as EC president

Thus the first day of the summit?s work ended without surprises ? this outcome was practically predetermined by the elections to the European Parliament held on June 4-7 at which the conservative centrist European People?s Party (EPP) won of which Barroso is a member. At the same time the EPP has no qualified majority, so Barroso may face problems regarding the approval of his candidature by the European Parliament if the Liberals, the Socialists and the Green vote in a concerted manner against him. Now Barroso?s opponents are trying to get enough votes in order to block his candidature during its approval in the European Parliament. European analysts believe that the success of such attempts is unlikely. Barroso, backed by fellow-conservatives Merkel and French President Nicolas Sarkozy, was heartened by the results of the June 7 EU assembly elections that gave Conservatives 264 of parliament's 736 seats. He is also likely get support from some Liberals and right-wing parliamentarians. Swedish Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt said the EU had to get Barroso confirmed for a second term ?as soon as possible.? Barroso? s first term as EU chief officially ends at the end of October; Kazinform cites Itar-Tass. See www.itar-tass.com for full version.