Kovács's survival in the Barroso Commission through change of portfolio. Result of Hungarian and European party politics. Interconnected fates of various Commissioners.

Dutch debate on choice of candidate for European Commission. Criticism EP on Neelie Smit Kroes's candidacy. Dutch incapacity to find a solution. National inter-party struggles and impact on European affairs.

Collective involvement of member states. Law and practice of nominating the European Commission president and his team. The responsibility to resolve the political conflict and the failure of the Dutch Council presidency. The European Council providing the political authority necessary for a solution.

Fluctuating French media attention for Barroso's drama. Chirac's support for Manuel Barroso. Appointment of European Commission and French Constitution. French debate on candidacy Barrot and the assigned transport portfolio. Offer extreme right party to save Barroso's team. The unmentioned embezzlement.

Italian governmental crisis at the origin of Rocco Buttiglione's nomination. Hearing before Civil Liberties committee and unprecedented rejection of Buttiglione. October events trigger changes in Italian governmental team. The EU: a Catholic conspiracy?

Appointment of European Commission and German Constitution. Influence EPP's electoral victory and German internal politics on Barroso's appointment. Socialist Verheugen accepted by rightwing German politicians. Role of national politicians and German MEPs in Buttiglione crisis.

British successes and failures in Barroso Drama. Several reasons for Blair's support for nomination Barroso. Blair's personal choice for Peter Mandelson. Ambivalence in Mandelson's action during the affair. Pressure from London on MEPs.