European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso has named the 26 people for his new executive.

He chose his new team of nine women and 18 men with a particular focus in mind: to revive Europe’s economy. He told euronews: “I looked to distribute the portfolios by expertise, to specific qualifications and I believe the team we have for the coming five years is a very good solution.” When asked whether he considered France to be the biggest winner in the Commission’s make-up, Barroso said: “I didn’t give the Ministries to countries, but people. The Commissioners aren’t going to represent their country. “We make a vow of independence. Michel Barnier is a European, someone who has already worked in the Commision and I am absolutely sure he will give his best to Europe.” The former French agriculture minister Michel Barnier has been handed the coveted post of internal market commissioner. He will lead the push for tougher bank regulation. With the new team, he will be managing the EU’s 10 trillion euro economy. Spaniard Joachim Almunia has moved from financial and monetary affairs to take up the competition brief. The new position of EU climate action commissioner goes to the Danish climate minister Connie Hedegaard. Barroso wants Europe to retain a leadership role in global efforts to combat climate change. A full interview with Barroso will be broadcast on Euronews on December 1, the day the Lisbon Treaty comes into force.More about: EU Commission, José Manuel Barroso

Copyright © 2012 euronews