New VP for Better Regulation (EC)

It seems that the new Commission will follow the lead of its predecessor at least for Better Regulation. As was the case for the 1st Barroso Commission, the first VP will again be in charge of our dossier, which may have dropped the "Smart" and returned to the old days of "Better" Regulation. The Commission presided by Mr Jean-Claude Junker has just published the allocation of portolios:
"As first Vice-President, in charge of Better Regulation, Inter-Institutional relations, the Rule of Law and the Charter of Fundamental Rights, Mr Timmermans will work closely with the other Vice-Presidents, and all Commissioners will liaise closely with him when it concerns the implementation of the better regulation agenda. In addition, for initiatives requiring a decision by the Commission in their area of responsibility, he will guide the work of the Commissioner for Justice, Consumers and Gender Equality and the Commissioner for Migration and Home Affairs."
A Commission press release present among the "important novelties" the fact that "for the first time there is a Commissisioner dedicated to a Better Regulation agenda, and that Mr Timmermans "will notably ensure that every Commission proposal respects the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality, which are at the heart of the work of the Commission. The first Vice-President will also act as a watchdog, upholding the Charter of Fundamental Rights and the rule of law in all of the Commission's activities."

For a professional analysis, see CEPS Commentary by our friends L. Schrefler, A. Renda and J. Pelkmans.