The scheduled date for the von der....>

EU COMMISSION: The scheduled date for the von der Leyen (VDL) Commission to take

over from outgoing President Jean-Claude Juncker's team could be pushed back

further after UK says it cannot appoint a new commissioner.

- In order to take office, all member states must send a commissioner to

Brussels and have them approved by the relevant European Parliament committee. 

- Incoming Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has officially requested

the UK nominate a new commissioner, given that they remain part of the EU until

31 Jan 2020. 

- However, the UK ambassador to the EU says that this is impossible under

official election guidance, which says that the gov't should not put forward

candidates for senior international positions during the election period.

- VDL Commission had been due to take over on 1 Nov, but this was delayed due to

the rejection of 3 commissioners-designate by the Parliament. 1 Dec  new

scheduled date, but 12 Dec election puts this in doubt.

- Juncker Commission remains as caretaker until VDL comes in. Cannot implement

new directorates, EU in policy stasis.