Date set for vote to re-elect Barroso head of European Commission

The leaders of the EU assembly met Thursday to discuss Barroso's candidacy. Barroso faced a barrage of critical questions from Socialists, Liberals and Green lawmakers in hearings Wednesday.

Lawmakers managed to scuttle plans by EU leaders in July to fast-track Barroso's confirmation amid criticism over his handling of the financial crisis. Socialists and Greens say he has done nothing to spur job creation.

The vote on Barroso takes place next Wednesday, in Strasbourg, France. The EU assembly has to back Barroso with a majority vote before he can take up his second term in November.