Parliament approves the new Commission

MEPs voted on 18 November 2004 to approve the new European Commission team under Commission President José Manuel Barroso. The result was 449 votes in favour to 149 votes against with 82 abstentions. European Parliament President Josep Borrell said this had been a significant milestone in democracy. Europe needed a strong Commission and a credible Parliament. Whatever the disagreements, he was happy this debate had taken place. Parliament, he said, now looked forward to a new partnership with the Commission, based on mutual respect and confidence, for a more democratic and efficient European Union. In addition, in a Resolution adopted by 478 in favour to 84 against with 98 abstentions MEPs called for the Framework Agreement between the Commission and the European Parliament (which governs bilateral relations between those two institutions) to be reviewed and updated as soon as possible on the basis of the commitments made on behalf of the new Commission by its President-elect, Mr Barroso.