Letland nomineert Sandra Kalniete voor lidmaatschap Europese Commissie (en)

Latvia has chosen Foreign Minister Sandra Kalniete as its future European commissioner, it was announced today (8 January) by the Latvian government.

"I will do all I can to live up to expectations. And these are not just words. I will do it in essence", Mrs Kalniete told the AFP news agency.

Sandra Kalniete is a well-known politician in Europe. Before becoming Latvian foreign minister she was ambassador to France.

She is 52 years old and was born in Siberia where her parents were deported during Soviet times.

She is the second woman nominated from new member states for commissioner position. Earlier this week Lithuania presented as its candidate Finance Minister Dalia Grybauskaite.

European Commission President Romano Prodi has said before that he would like to see at least three women as commissioners from new member states.