Italië komt met opvolger voor hun eurocommissaris (en)
Italy's empty seat at the European Commission table has now been officially taken by Antonio Tajani - a man familiar with EU political scene, as headed MEPs from the Forza Italia political party led by Silvio Berlusconi.
Mr Tajani, a 55-year old law graduate and former journalist, is to replace Franco Frattini i, the commission vice-president in charge of justice and home affairs dossier. Mr Frattini formally stepped down on Thursday (8 May), following his appointment as Italy' new foreign minister.
The EU's executive body has confirmed that the team of 27 commissioners will see a shift in portfolios between France and Italy.
Mr Tajani is taking over the transport portfolio, where, among other issues, he will deal with a controversial state loan to troubled Italian airline Alitalia, something being examined by Brussels to see if it breaches EU state aid rules.
It remains unclear whether Mr Tajani will also be vice-president of the commission, as Mr Frattini was.
The prominent justice and home affairs position has been given to French commissioner Jacques Barrot i.
Meanwhile, Silvio Berlusconi has formally returned to the centre stage of Italian politics as the country's third-time prime minister, after his cabinet - comprising three parties - was sworn in on Thursday (8 May).
Mr Berlusconi's Forza Italia holds 12 positions in the government, while his right-wing allies, the Northern League and National Alliance, have four ministerial posts each.
The anti-immigration Northern League's Roberto Maroni was appointed to the important position of interior minister, dealing with immigration issues.