Olli Rehn now has more powers and greater weight, effectively becoming a 'super commissioner'. The president of the European Commission, Josè Manuel Barroso, has in fact appointed Olli Rehn – former European commissioner for economic and monetary affairs – vice president of the EU Commission.
The appointment, say sources of the community body, was recognized to "strengthen the role of the commissioner responsible for economic matters", not only by appointing him vice-president but above all by providing him with "additional tools". From today onwards, therefore, Rehn will assist Barroso on all matters relating to the work of the European Council, the Eurozone and economic governance. Furthermore, Rehn will fully represent the European Commission with full powers outside the Eurozone. In announcing Rehn's 'promotion', Barroso therefore wanted to go back to yesterday's European Council and the decisions taken during the night.
"Today Europe is closer to solving the economic and financial crisis, and closer to a recovery of growth," said the president of the European Commission. Barroso therefore said he was "particularly satisfied" with the results achieved last night. "Today - he concluded - the European Union is demonstrating that it is able to find cohesion in the face of the most demanding challenges of these days and we will demonstrate once again our unity, our solidity and our determination to renew Europe".
