Most of the candidates for commissioners have already been put forward.  Although it is Barroso’s job to decide their field of activity, in most of the cases, the respective governments express the wish that they be given specific portfolios. EU countries express preferences for portfolios in fields where money is involved, such as internal market, competition, trade, regional development, agriculture, or where political influence can be leveraged: energy, enlargement, neighbourhood policy.

To quote my colleague from Euronews Sergio Cantone, with whom I discussed the other day the ongoing wrangle for high appointments, no country wants the education portfolio. This is a paradox indeed, because philosophically, what could be more important than the future of Europeans? Through better education, Europe could make the difference worldwide. But for EU leaders, this is obviously not a priority.