Barroso Expected to Give Position on Bulgaria EC Bidder Jeleva

President of the European Commission Jose Manuel Barroso is expected Thursday to announce his position on the issue of alleged conflict of interests of Bulgarian Commissioner-Designate Rumiana Jeleva.

Barroso’s decision is believed to be crucial into swaying the Development Committee of the EP into backing or opposing Jeleva’s confirmation as the new EU Commissioner for humanitarian aid after the “unconvincing” hearing of the Bulgarian Foreign Minister Tuesday night.

Late last night Barroso has had meetings with the leaders of the two largest party families in the EP – the European People’s Party and the Party of European Socialists – in order to discuss the situation and to avoid a scenario in which the EP votes against the proposed new Commission next week over Jeleva’s nomination.

According to the BNR, the leaders of the PES have made it clear they were against Jeleva’s confirmation because of her involvement in conflict of interests and her incompetence.

At the same time, the EPP leaders have made it clear they would oppose the appointment of the Slovakian EC nominee because of a racist comment he made four years ago.

The BNR reports that many in Brussels believe the decision on Jeleva’s case best come from Sofia with the Bulgarian government nominating another person for EU Commissioner.