RSS
Home
Belgian PM Van Rompuy chosen as first EU President
Print
Email
RSS
Subscribe
EU President-elect Herman Van Rompuy, November 19, 2009.
Brussels, Belgium - The European Union chose Belgian Prime Minister Herman Van Rompuy as its first President. Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair had also been heavily considered for the post. In addition, British Baroness Catherine Ashton was nominated for the position of EU Foreign Affairs and Security chief.
Although the position of President was created by the EU, they have yet to clearly define its role and responsibilities.
With a background in economics, Van Rompuy, 62, has been the Prime Minister of Belgium since December 2008. Previously he had been a member of Belgium’s lower house of parliament He is quiet and pragmatic, and he has been described as a consensus-builder.
Ashton, 53, is a member of the British Labor Party and was a member of the House of Lords. She also served as Lord President of the Council. She has been the European Commissioner for Trade since October 2008.
According to Reuters, the positions were created “to bolster the EU's standing and help it to match the rise of emerging powers such as China following the global economic crisis.” However, there is concern that these two leaders, while well known in the European Union, have little to no recognition in the rest of the world.
After his selection to the post, Van Rompuy stated to the press, “I’ll be discreet in the media. How do I feel? I’ll answer that question in my memoirs.”
Concerning how he sees his role as the President of the EU, he remarked, “There has been a great deal of talk and comment about the future profile and image of the President of the Council. But the key things are dialogue, unity and action: the image of the Council resides in strength through results.”
Of her qualifications, Ashton stated, “I think for quite a few people they would say that I am the best person for the job and I was chosen because I am, but I absolutely recognize there are a number of candidates around, all of whom would have been extremely good and extremely able.” She added, "I hope that my particular set of skills will show that in the end I am the best choice."
In addition, she diffused criticism that she is unknown outside of Europe by mentioning her involvement in high level trade discussions with China, and by stating that U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has called her “my new counterpart.”
Related Articles:
Add a Comment
