Newsline 16 September, 2009: European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso has secured a second term, despite widespread criticism of his performance; a top UN official is expected to step up the pressure on Sri Lanka's government over possible abuses committed during the last stage of the offensive against Tamil Tiger rebels, and Brussels throws its weight into the fight to purchase anti-flu vaccines.

Listen to today's programme:

Barroso keeps his job
Euro parliamentarians today voted to approve European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso's appointment for a second five-year term. With no opposing candidate and the support of the majority centre-right parties his victory was pretty much a foregone conclusion, but there's plenty of criticism of his performance during his first term and his re-election won't do anything to turn back the tide of Euro-scepticism.

Listen to Brussel's correspodent Vanessa Mock

UN official puts the pressure on Colombo
A senior United nations official, Lynne Pascoe, is on Sri Lanka for two days of talks on "critical issues". Those issues have arisen from the government's succesful campaign against Tamil Tiger rebels which ended four months ago. The UN is concerned about the number of Tamil refugees who are still detained in government-run camps - and the possibilty of human rights abuses committed during and after the offensive.

Listen to the Newsline interview with Janes' Defence editor Iqbal Athas.

The European race to secure flu vaccine
"Vaccination, prevention and co-operation", the major pillars of the joint European strategy against Mexican flu. But so far there's been little evidence that the strategy is being put into action. European Health Commissioner Andoulla Vassioulu has launched a new action campaign to try and change that.

Listen to the Newsline interview with Commissioner Vassiolu.