Juncker hails Mogherini as 'ultra competent'

EC chief surprised by negative comments on appointment

(ANSA) - Brussels, September 10 - European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker on Wednesday hailed Italy's Federica Mogherini as "ultra competent" for her role as the EU's high representative for foreign affairs as he presented his new 28-strong EC team. He added that he was "not surprised" by the qualities of the 41-year-old Italian foreign minister, but he was surprised by some of the negative comments on her appointment, including claims she is inexperienced.

Mogherini took over as Italian foreign minister when Premier Matteo Renzi's government was sworn in in February. Juncker said he was proud of the number of women in the new EU executive, which will take office in November. "It was hard to obtain women commissioners (to be nominated by the member States)," Juncker told a press conference. "Now there are nine, include three (EC) vice presidents, and they all have key portfolios like competition, internal market, industry, labour and trade".