The Heads of State and Government of the European People’s Party (EPP) today decided to back Jose Manuel Barroso for a second term as President of the European Commission.

The decision was taken unanimously during the EPP Summit held in Brussels prior to the European Council.

“If the EPP wins the elections to the European Parliament in June, and we are confident that we will win, the President of the European Commission should continue to belong to the EPP political family. Jose Manuel Barroso has a broad appeal in all the main political families and is by far the best candidate for this position taking into account his successful term as Commission President and his wide political experience at the national level”, stated the President of the EPP, Wilfried Martens.

The EPP leaders also debated the current economic crisis and the upcoming meeting of the G-20, as well as the campaign for the next European elections, including the EPP Congress which will take place 29 and 30 of April in order to adopt the electoral Manifesto.

In today’s Summit participated 12 EU Heads of State and Government and 6 non-EU, as well as several leaders of the EPP in the opposition around Europe.

For more information: EPP Press Officer, Javier Jimenez, Tel: +32 475 480 446