EU begins legal proceedings against UK over refusal to nominate new Commissioner
2 min read
Brussels has begin legal proceedings against the UK after the Government failed to nominate a new EU Commissioner.
Ministers were accused of "breeaching EU Treaty obligations" by not coming up with a name.
The Government now has until 22 November "to provide their views" on the situation.
But Sir Tim Barrow, the UK's ambassador to the EU, said the general election campaign meant the UK could not put forward candidates for the EU institutions.
A government spokesperson said: "We have written to the EU to confirm that pre-election guidance states the UK should not normally make nominations for international appointments during this period."
In a statement, the European Commission said: "As the guardian of the treaties, the European Commission has sent a letter of formal notice to the United Kingdom for breaching its EU treaty obligations by not suggesting a candidate for the post of EU commissioner.
"The UK authorities have until 22 November at the latest to provide their views. This short time period is justified by the fact that the next commission must enter into office as soon as possible."
Caroline Voaden, leader of the Lib Dem MEPs, said: “Under Boris Johnson, Britain’s reputation in Europe lies in tatters. We should be leading in Europe, not leaving.
"A UK commissioner would ensure we are treated as equal partners as an EU member state and fully represented in Ursula von der Leyen’s new commission.
"Boris Johnson should urgently consult with other parties and propose a candidate capable of furthering the interests of the EU as a whole."
Asked about the row earlier this week, a Downing Street spokesman said: "The UK will meet its legal obligations and officials remain in regular contact with the [European Commission] president-elect’s team."
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