Italy, the only European Union country apart from France not to have nominated a commissioner, has asked for more time to unveil its pick according to well-placed sources.
Although EU member states were due to put forward their choice of commissioner by Monday, "this deadline is not legally binding," the sources said.
A deal on forming a new government in Italy between the populist 5-Star Movement and the opposition centre-left Democratic Party (PD) looked more likely on Monday after the PD dropped a veto on Giuseppe Conte serving another stint as premier.
Conte, a law professor who is close to 5-star resigned last week after its ruling partner, the far-right League party pulled the plug on the 14-month-old coalition government, hoping to capitalise on a surge in popularity and win a snap general election.
But president Sergio Mattarella gave 5-Star and the PD until Tuesday to try and form a new government amid attempts by both parties to form an alliance.
