The focus of the new Commission on monetary and energy union, and enforcement of rules is welcome.

In finance, the protection of financial audit nationally and internationally is a huge need. Economic patriotism, the outright theft of billions from the public purse, and the collapse of the euro is possible at present.

But whether the new London commissioner will have the will to address a problem that was fundamental to the international financial collapse - and really goes back to Bretton Woods - is questionable.

Secondly on energy union. Some years ago the Scottish government proposed a renewables grid for the EU. The idea seems worth dusting down, especially with the Ukraine difficulties and the inevitable move from fossil fuel.

