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The EU is launching legal action against the UK for failing to name a representative for the new European Commission.

In a statement, the European Commission said: “The European Commission has today sent a letter of formal notice to the United Kingdom for breaching its EU Treaty obligations by not suggesting a candidate for the post of EU Commissioner."

It said authorities in the UK have until November 22 to respond, saying the deadline "is justified by the fact that the next Commission must enter into office as soon as possible".

A spokesman for the British Government said officials have written to the EU to confirm that pre-election guidance states the UK "should not normally make nominations for international appointments during this period.”

The statement from the Commission said: "Following the UK’s reply on 13 November to the two letters sent by President-elect Ursula von der Leyen recalling the UK’s obligations under the EU Treaty – and the European Council decision of 29 October 2019 extending the Article 50 period (1) –, the Commission has now analysed this reply and considers that the UK is in breach of its EU Treaty obligations.

“In its letter, the UK authorities consider that they are not in a position to suggest a candidate for the post of EU Commissioner in view of the upcoming General Election.

“The European Commission recalls that, in accordance with established EU case-law (2), a Member State may not invoke provisions prevailing in its domestic legal system to justify failure to observe obligations arising under Union law.”

Outlining the next steps, the Commission said: “In accordance with Article 258 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, the United Kingdom is invited to submit its observations on the letter of formal notice at the latest by Friday November 22 2019.

“After examining these observations, or if no observations are submitted within this time-limit, the Commission may, if appropriate, issue a Reasoned Opinion.”

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