Hollande calls for clarification on former European Commission head's new role

French President François Hollande says he supports attempts to clarify the terms of the appointment of José Manuel Barroso to the US investment bank Goldman Sachs.

Former European Commission head Jose Manuel Barroso File

Barroso's successor to European Commission presidency, Jean-Claude Juncker said on Monday he was asking for clarification of Barroso's responsibilities and the terms of his contract.

Juncker said he will also seek the advice of the European Union's ethical committee on the matter.

Hollande has previously attacked Barroso's decision to accept the job, calling it morally unacceptable.

Goldman Sachs was heavily involved in selling complex financial products, including sub-prime mortgages, which contributed to the world financial crisis in 2008.

Barroso on Tuesday accused Brussels of discrimination over the ordering of the ethics probe.

"Not only are these actions discriminatory but they appear to be inconsistent with decisions taken in respect of other former members of the commission," Barroso said in a letter to Juncker.

In addition to the probe, Juncker also said Barroso will now be received at the Commission, the executive arm of the 28-nation bloc, as a lobbyist rather than with the protocol given to a former president.