BRUSSELS: The woman nominated as the next Competition Commissioner has promised not to engage in any business activity after her term of office ends in 2009. Ms Neelie Kroes, a Dutch businesswoman and former transport minister, has written to the incoming Commission President, Mr José Manuel Barroso, outlining the steps she will take to dispel concerns about the possible effect of her business links on her conduct as a commissioner.
A Commission spokesman said that Ms Kroes has already resigned from all business activities and has sold all her shares and stock options. The proceeds will be held in a trust and invested for her retirement.
Ms Kroes has held senior positions in a number of large European companies, including the shipbuilder P&O Nedlloyd VN, the Swedish bus and truck maker Volvo AB and the defence and electronics company Thales Group.
She has agreed to take no part in Commission investigations, discussions or decisions concerning actions any of these companies took while she served on their boards.