The Official Journal of the European Union has published the Council Decision of 30 June 2009 appointing a new member of the Commission of the European Communities.

In a letter dated 25 June 2009, Ms Dalia GRYBAUSKAITĖ resigned from her post as a member of the Commission.

Mr. Algirdas Gediminas ŠEMETA becomes a member of the College of Commissioners of the Commission for the period from July 1 2009 and October 31, 2009. The new commissioner of 47 years and natural Vilnius (Lithuania) will take over the portfolio for Financial Programming and Budget.

In this way Bulgaria will be without representative in the European Commission for this period of 4 months of transition.

During the current term of Mr. Barroso (since November 22, 2004) three other Commissioners have left:

• Markos Kyprianou (Health).
• Franco Frattini (Justice, Freedom and Security).
• Peter Mandelson (Trade).