Barroso approves replacement Bulgarian as commission candidate

Jose Manuel Barroso has approved the candidacy of Bulgaria's replacement nominee for European Union aid commissioner - setting her up for an approval hearing on February 3, officials in Brussels confirmed.

The last-minute replacement comes after Bulgaria's initial candidate, Rumiana Jeleva, faced being blocked by members of the parliament over incompetence and corruption allegations. Jeleva withdrew her candidacy on Tuesday, DPA reported.

European Commission President Barroso met Kristalina Georgieva, currently the World Bank's vice-president, on Thursday evening and "has given his agreement for her name to go forward as commissioner- designate," a statement released in Brussels said.

Barroso "believes she has all the professional background and European convictions to be an excellent commissioner ... Mrs Georgieva has extensive international experience and grasp of the issues to make a real impact in this new role," the statement said.

The European Parliament is set to hold Georgieva's confirmation hearing on February 3.

The commission drafts the EU's laws and makes sure that member states follow them. The executive's mandate lasts for five years and is subject to parliament's approval.

Under EU rules, the parliament has to hold a vote of confidence in the entire body, but does not have the right to vote on individual nominees.

If parliament approves Georgieva's nomination, it is expected to vote on the make-up of the whole commission on February 9.