Who will succeed Viviane Reding at the European Commission?

Luxembourg's socialists have been tasked with selecting the country's next European Commissioner, to succeed Viviane Reding next year.

As is common practice in the Grand Duchy, the leading party is responsible for appointing a successor.

But, since the CSV is no longer in power, it remains to be seen who will take on the role. Employment Minister Nicolas Schmit has been mooted for the post, though he has not commented publicly on the subject.

Former Prime Minister Jean-Claude Juncker could also put a spanner in the works if next year he puts himself forward as top candidate for the “Parti Populaire Européen”, the largest group within the European Parliament. If he were to win, he could succeed José Manuel Barroso as European Commission President.

Prime Minister Xavier Bettel has already indicated he will support the European aspirations of Jean-Claude Juncker.