31/8: Martin Schulz, Leader of the S&D group in the European Parliament (EP) says "Eastern dimension" lacking in cooperation
1/9: Meeting between EP President Borrell and Martin Schulz on Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), new Constitution, Members’ statute
7/9: Meeting between Martin Schulz and Commissioner Peter Mandelson. Schulz says that main aim is to seek points of common interest with European Peoples Party (EPP). Scope for SocDem policy objectives lies in co decision and negotiations with EPP. Schulz feels he has majority in Socialist group but not in France. Schulz needs support of Socialist Commissioners to ensure success of his strategy.
8/9: Meeting between Schulz and Borrell: reticence by many Vice-Presidents on campaign for Constitution, Spain problem and Catalan. Borrell concerned about press reaction co-options for Commissioners
14/9: Martin Schulz and Josep Borrell on Members’ Statute. Meeting between Schulz, Margot Wallstrom, Vice President of European Commission, Commissioner Günter Verheugen and Commissioner Joaquín Almunia on Commission report for Turkey’s readiness to join the EU
22/9: Meeting Schulz and Borrell: Temporary Committee "Policy Challenges and Budgetary Means of the Enlarged Union from 2007-2013" - Terry Wynn’s (MEP) status as CoBU member, Constitution, Turkey, problem with French delegation
23/9: Meeting between President Barroso and Schulz [nomination of Rocco Buttiglione] Barroso says that EP needs to be careful not to diminish the "status" of Commissioners. He doesn’t want an institutional problem created . Preoccupied by public opinion in member states and the rise of populism. Turkey is an example of a divisive issue. Schulz says he agrees 100%that EP doesn’t need leadership from the Commission but partnership. Suggests Barroso take initiative to get the socialists and EPP on the same page on Commission’s priority issues
6/10: Martin Schulz’s discussion with Javier Solana, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, on Israel’s invitation to send a delegation to Israel. Solana says that Israel during a possible visit should be pinned down on progress. Israel was very surprised that EU had united position on wall. Solana said visit shouldn’t be instrumentalised but should be positive, constructive and tough
7/10 : Assessment of new Commissioners elect after first week of hearings. Commission considered weak and market oriented with no social agenda. Issue of Rocco Buttiglione’s portfolio
19/10: Meeting between Barroso and Schulz in the Commission, on reshuffle of portfolios. Schulz doesn’t think the Socialist Commissioners will back Barroso on Buttiglione and Schulz wants absolute majority
21/10: Schulz says Buttiglione can’t be Commissioner for Civil Liberties in interview with BBC
26/10: Discussion in the European Parliament Labour Party on the situation followed by group meeting with unanimous rejection of Barroso Commission. Commissioner Peter Mandelson's clash with Schulz on the former’s criticism of the Socialist Group
27/10: Schulz meets Barroso who decides to postpone approval of new Commission
30/10: Commission reshuffle as Buttiglione is withdrawn along with other changes
2/11: Harley speaks to Peter Mandelson who finds changes in Commission to his satisfaction