DEPUTY PRIME-MINISTER DAN NICA: Romania wants the Agriculture portfolio of the European Commission

Deputy Prime Minister Dan Nica yesterday announced that Romania"s current option for the European Commission is the portfolio of Agriculture.

According to Agerpres, Dan Nica said: "The decision was to mandate the Minister of Foreign Affairs to go ahead and identify how we could gain a major position in the European Commission. Romania is looking to secure the Agriculture portfolio".

The Deputy Prime-Minister said that Romania has to obtain a major portfolio that carries responsibility, and especially one that will lend its weight to Romania"s opinions.

Nica said that leaders of the government coalition did not nominate anyone for the position of European Commissioner. "No names were discussed", the Deputy Prime-Minister said.

President Traian Băsescu recently said that Romania"s objective is to acquire the position of Commissioner for Agriculture.

Traian Băsescu explained: "Right now we are deploying a major diplomatic effort - which I hope will be complemented by the effort of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to an equal extent, but mine is a major diplomatic effort - for Romania to obtain the Agriculture portfolio. And I can tell you is that I have been very open with all the ambassadors of the European Union, at the reunion in June. I have notified out intentions to them and we have also discussed with several heads of state and government about supporting Romania in obtaining this portfolio".

One of the people considered for the position of European Commissioner for Agriculture is former Minister of Agriculture, Dacian Cioloş.