Schröder Suggests EU Needs Industry Commissioner

On Tuesday, German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder indicated the European Union should establish a commissioner for industry and research. The bloc should devote more attention to the two areas, Schröder said, adding that it might make sense to appoint someone responsible for those policies. "What we can offer is good advice," he said. The Süddeutsche Zeitung newspaper reported on Tuesday that the government aimed for a German named commissioner, if such a position was created. Schröder is expected to discuss restructuring the European Commission when he meets with British Prime Minister Blair and French President Chirac on Wednesday.