Mandelson: Trade commissioner

He is expected to take up the job on 1 November, once the commission has been approved by the European Parliament.

Mr Mandelson has twice resigned from the UK Cabinet - including once as trade and industry secretary.

Among other portfolios, Germany's Guenter Verheugen becomes the bloc's industry chief and France's Jacques Barrot takes on transport.

MANDELSON'S CAREER 1979-82 Lambeth councillor 1982-85 producer at London Weekend Television Late 1980s Director of Labour Party Campaigns and Communications 1992 Became MP for Hartlepool 1994 supported Blair's leadership bid 1997 Ran Labour's election campaign 1997 Named Cabinet Minister Without Portfolio 1998 Secretary of State for Trade and Industry 1998 Resigned over Geoffrey Robinson house loan affair 1999 Returned as Secretary of State for Northern Ireland 2001 Resigned over Hinduja passports affair Profile: Peter Mandelson

The appointments were announced by the president elect of the European Commission Jose Manuel Barroso.

Mr Mandelson will be one of 24 commissioners working for a fixed five year term with Mr Barroso.

Mr Barroso said: "I have organised this strong team to ensure we work efficiently and achieve the goals we set ourselves.

"I attach great importance to team players committed to the European general interest. Commissioners will work together and deliver real benefits for EU citizens".

Committee hearings

As trade commissioner, Mr Mandelson holds one of the key posts in Brussels, officially in charge of the "international dimension of competitiveness".

His predecessor as Britain's commissioner, Chris Patten, was commissioner for external relations.

The new commissioners will meet for the first time for an informal session on 20 August in Brussels and then they will appear in individual hearings before MEPs' committees from 27 September.

We are delighted that Peter Mandelson has been given such an important portfolio 10 Downing Street EC posts revealed

The European Parliament then vote on the commission as a whole - and can veto the choice.

In a statement Mr Mandelson said: "I'm excited at being given this responsibility, both for trade policy and the international dimension of competitiveness.

"Europe will continue to benefit from globalisation as long as trade and investment are further liberalised and if Europe preserves its long-term competitiveness, its capacity for innovation and its social market economy."

Lib Dem trade spokesman Malcolm Bruce said: "The real test for Mr Mandelson is the extent to which he is prepared to broker a breakthrough in the trade talks.

Mr Mandelson will have the opportunity to help the EU deliver vital changes that could lift millions out of poverty Head of Oxfam's EU office, Jo Leadbeater

"Poor countries need access to developed markets and the United States must be challenged on their protectionism. Peter Mandelson must be equal to both these tasks."

Downing Street said in a statement: "We are delighted that Peter Mandelson has been given such an important portfolio."

The head of Oxfam's EU office, Jo Leadbeater, told BBC News Online: "Mr Mandelson will have the opportunity to help the EU deliver vital changes that could lift millions out of poverty.

"We really hope he will step up to the mark and meet the commitments the EU has given to make trade work for development."