Nov 27 (Reuters) - European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso named Finland's Olli Rehn on Friday as the European Union's economic and monetary affairs chief, a role in which he will oversee efforts to revive Europe's economy.
Rehn takes over from Spaniard Joaquin Almunia, who will become competition commissioner in the 27-country bloc's executive. France's Michel Barnier was named internal market commissioner with responsibility for financial services.
The following are the views of analysts on the appointments to the new 27-person Commission, which is expected to take office early next year but first needs the approval of the European Parliament.
HUGO BRADY, ANALYST AT CENTRE FOR EUROPEAN REFORM THINK TANK:
"It is a good and balanced Commission. Important portfolios went to competent people.
"It is a victory for the French, they have received what they wanted. Their ally has been appointed the agriculture commissioner and they received the portfolio dealing with financial services.
"I don't think Barnier will now go after the City of London, but it was important for them symbolically.
"That energy went to the German shows the growing importance of this area in EU policies."
DANIEL GROS, CENTRE FOR EUROPEAN POLICY STUDIES
"The question mark is, of course, Barnier. What does he know about financial services, which are highly technical? In finance you really need to know the subject area. It would have been better given to someone who has real experience in the field.
"Competition benefits from someone who doesn't just look at the details but who understands the logic of the market. And here the choice is good." ((For more on the EU, please double click on [EU/LOOK])) ((Brussels Newsroom, Tel:+32-2 287 6830; Fax:+32-2 230 7710; brussels.newsroom@reuters.com))