International

European Commission President José Barroso was asked to give an explanation before the European Parliament this afternoon of an apparent conflict of interests. In August, 2004, shortly after he was designated as the new Commission President, Mr Barroso holidayed on the private yacht of Greek shipping magnate John Latsis. Barely a month later a shipbuilding firm belonging to Mr Latsis was awarded €10.3 million in state aids. Such aid by national governments within the EU can only be given under strict conditions and with the permission of the European Commission, which is responsible for ensuring that the rules are followed.

The SP delegation in the European Parliament were amongst 77 Euro-MPs who last Friday proposed a motion of no confidence in Commission President Jose Barroso. They accuse Mr Barroso of having taken a holiday on the private yacht of Greek shipping magnate John Latsis. The trip allegedly took place in August, just a month before a shipbuilding firm belonging to Mr Latsis received state aids to the value of € 10,3 miljoen euro.