MEPs threaten to reject Frenchman

The European Union faces a fresh crisis today as MEPs threaten to reject a second commissioner.

The European Parliament says France's Jacques Barrot should have declared a conviction for embezzlement before taking up the post of transport commissioner.

Last month the Commission president, José anuel Barroso, was forced to withdraw his entire 25-strong team in a row over the outspoken views of Italian commissioner Rocco Buttliglione.

MEPs say they may now block Mr Barrot's appointment.

Graham Watson, leader of the Liberal Democrat group in the Parliament, said Mr Barrot should be suspended until the matter was resolved.

"To avoid serious damage to the standing of the new commission, I call on Mr Barrot to resign, or at the very least to ask to be relieved of his duties until this matter can be discussed and resolved," he said.