Backlash over EU's appointment of Pieper as SME Envoy amid transparency concerns
• MEP Markus Pieper's appointment as EU's SME Envoy sparks backlash among von der Leyen's senior Commission colleagues • Foreign policy chief Borrell and Commissioners Breton, Schmit and Gentiloni wrote to von der Leyen questioning transparency of selection process • Other shortlisted candidates, both women, scored better than Pieper in selection process • Czech MEP Martina Dlabajová, who was passed over, filed official complaint about procedure • Amendment proposed to review Pieper's appointment amid questions over qualifications and potential political interference