European People's Party welcomes Tonio Borg's nomination

Tonio Borg's nomination as EU Commissioner was welcomed by the European Peaople's Party group in the European Parliament.

Joseph Daul, Chairman of the EPP Group, of which the Nationalist Party forms part, said: "I commend Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi for acting swiftly in nominating a new Commissioner."

He added that Europe is facing a serious economic challenge and a fully functional and focused European Commission is essential to continue combating the crisis effectively.

On Saturday, Deputy Prime Minister and foreign affairs minister Tonio Borg was nominated to succeed resigned EU Commissioner John Dalli.

Daul hailed Gonzi's swift decision and said this shows "the Maltese Government's sense of responsibility in ensuring that the European Commission is immediately restored to its full complement in the best interest of public trust in the Institution",

He congratulated Borg on his nomination and noted that the EPP Group looks forward to a swift confirmation process in the European Parliament.

The EPP Group called on all political groups in the European Parliament to act responsibly in this process to ensure that the new Commissioner is appointed as soon as possible.

"This is in the best interests of the Institution," Joseph Daul said.