BBC News
29 October 2006

Romanian senator withdraws EU bid
Varujan Vosganian (file image)

Vosganian failed to get the EU chief’s backing

Varujan Vosganian has withdrawn his bid to be Romania’s new European
Union commissioner after failing to win backing from EU officials.

Mr Vosganian, 48, who sits in the Senate, denied allegations of links
to the former secret police.

But he said he withdrew to prevent damage Romania’s image. Prime
Minister Calin Tariceanu had accepted Mr Vosganian’s decision, a
spokesman said.

Romania and Bulgaria are due to join the European Union in January
2007.

On Friday, Bulgaria’s Minister for Europe Meglena Kuneva was approved
as Bulgaria’s new EU commissioner.

‘Baseless’

But after meeting European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso on
Thursday, Mr Vosganian returned to Bucharest without being officially
nominated by him.

The Socialist group in the European Parliament, which must approve Mr
Barroso’s nominations for commissioners, had expressed doubt about his
credentials.

They said they wanted to further explore Mr Vosganian’s "acceptance of
European standards and European values".

Mr Vosganian announced his decision in a press conference in the
Romanian capital, Bucharest.

"Although the accusations against me are baseless, the examination of
my candidacy may be prolonged, and that could damage Romania’s image,"
he said.

Government spokeswoman Oana Marinescu said Mr Tariceanu would consult
Mr Barroso and then put forward a new candidate.