Reuters report on Karmenu Vella ‘incorrect’ - Brussels sources

Informed sources in Brussels have denied reports by international news agency Reuters that Malta’s Commissioner-designate Karmenu Vella will be given the youth and multilingualism portfolio.

Meanwhile, government sources said it will be Commission President-elect Jean-Claude Juncker who will announce the formation of the College of Commissioners.

“The government has agreed any announcements will be made by the President of the Commission,” the sources said.

According to Reuters, who has seen a draft version of the line-up for the new EU executive, Vella was earmarked for the youth and multilingualism portfolio. Speculation about the portfolios the new 28 EU commissioners would be assigned to was rife.

Previous reports citing leaked draft versions touted Vella for the Fisheries portfolio. However the Reuters report claimed Croatia would be getting fisheries, a portfolio which Malta already held between 2004 and 2010.

The commissioners-designate, including Vella, have all met Juncker to discuss the way forward.

Reuters points out that the list could change before Juncker’s announcement tomorrow.