Michel Barnier appointed as European Commissaire for Internal Market

The French Internal Market Commissioner has responsibility for policy and oversight of accounting and auditing matters within the European Union, including relations between the Commission and the IASB. The Commissioner is also responsible for supervising the market for financial services and regulation of banks. Mr Barnier, 58, is currently a member of the European Parliament and has served in various political positions in France, including Member of the French National Assembly, Minister of the Environment, Secretary of State for European Affairs, Foreign Minister, and Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries. From 1999 to 2004 he served as European Commissioner for Regional Policy in the Commission of Romano Prodi. The new Commission will have 27 members, including President Barroso, one from each Member State. It will take office early in 2010 (the Parliamentary confirmation vote is scheduled for 26 January) and will serve through 31 October 2014.See the complete description of the new European Commission : President Barroso unveil its new team (.pdf)