The European Commission has opted for the iPhone and HTC handsets over the BlackBerry to roll out to its employees, reports “CNET” (http://macosg.me/2/ne).

The search for a new smartphone began in 2008 when the Commission, the European Union’s executive arm, was deploying a new synchronization tool, prompting it to evaluate different devices on the market, including BlackBerrys. The EC has been using PDAs made by Q-Tek (later HTC) since 2003.

“Following this evaluation, the HTC and the iPhones emerged as the most suitable platforms for voice/mail-centric mobile devices. As a result, the Commission currently supports these two platforms,” spokesman for the EC wrote in an e-mail statement sent to “CNET.”