Unknown duo chosen as new faces of Europe
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Two virtual unknowns have been chosen as the new faces of Europe: the Belgian Prime Minister and a British Commissioner clinched the prized two top jobs in the European Union.
Tipped for days as the favourite, Herman van Rompuy now becomes the EU’s first President, beating his Dutch counterpart Jan Peter Balkenende and former British prime minister Tony Blair to the post. But it was the appointment of an even lesser-known figure to the international role of EU High Representative that was the surprise rabbit out of the hat during Thursday night’s summit.
It had been expected that the popular but low-key Belgian premier would be offset by a ‘big hitter’ for the post of de-facto foreign minister, who is set to become Europe’s face on the world stage.
But Catherine Ashton’s name barely resonates even within Brussels, where she has been Commissioner for Trade for over a year. Unlike other female heavyweights like Nellie Kroes, Baroness Ashton is so anonymous that security guards reportedly asked for her ID when she tried to enter the building during the summit. She will head up a new EU foreign ministry made up of 3,000 diplomats with 200 EU embassies and a fat wallet for peacekeeping missions.
Eastern Europe response
New EU entrants from ex-communist countries in central and eastern Europe generally gave a favourable response to the new appointments. Czech Prime Minister Jan Fischer told journalists that both Van Rompuy and Lady Ashton were good news for the region: "The names absolutely suit us. These are people who have a close relation to us. I am convinced that all of them have the competence and pre-requisites for doing very well in the posts.”
Former Czech foreign minister, Karel Schwarzenberg was more guarded on the appointment of the relatively inexperienced Lady Ashton, formerly trade commissioner, as head of the EU foreign policy: "Let's wait and see how she will do in this new difficult role, as being a commissioner differs from being the EU foreign minister.”
Poland’s prime minister, Donald Tusk – who had argued for candidates openly putting forward policy agendas before they were selected, to make the process “more transparent and democratic,” – said Ashton’s appointment was “a bit of a puzzle” though her candidacy was better than some of the other names in the frame.
Van Rompuy
In a report made before Mr Van Rompuy's appointment was announced, Radio Netherlands Worldwide's EU correspondent Vanessa Mock asked Belgians if they thought their prime minister was right for the EU's new top job.
United Kingdom
Well done Nigel Farage for simply voicing the utter frustration and alienation perceived by many of us concerning the vaguely democratic processes and machinations of the European parliament; although not entirely eloquent, his consternation for the apparent European bureaucratic autocracy has restored my faith in politicians and UKIP.
United Kingdom
I'm disgusted with that UKIP idiot's comments towards Mr. Von Rompuy today. Don't voice such offensive and personal opinions and insults in the name of the British people. If I ever would have considered voting for the UKIP I certainly wouldn't do now - your behaviour is offensive to us all and I feel ashamed. Horrible man, speak for yourself when you say such things not think we're all backing you - we're not. My children have the same trouble in school with bullies like you. Grow up.
Other
27 nations, 10 divisions. = 10 horns. It's here folks.
Other
John - the word "permanent" is sometimes used to refer to the new full-time post of EU Council President in comparison to the old system of a rotating six-month presidency of the EU Council between the member states (which confusingly is still continuing!). He or she is not a "ruler", just the head of the EU Council, and is chosen by the EU member states for a term in office of two and a half years.
Other
Being from the united states, i do not fully understand the election of a 'permanent' ruler of the European Union. So, if i assume correctly, this one dude rules twenty-seven countries?? could someone please explain this to me??
Other
I don't think that many people that are sharing appinions are quite informed about the real situation in the middle east and the sgnificance of keeping secure not only United States after the 9/11 terrorist attack, but the rest of the world.
Also, I am not the best person to give my oppinion about the election, but I am sure that this man should be also respected and helped by the international community to have the best results for the humanity. We gain nothig with hate, but with diplomacy, mutual respect and intelligence.
United Kingdom
Whatever happened to the democratic process of electing our leaders?
( Definition of democracy: Having representatives elected by the people.)
United Kingdom
Congratulations to the European leaders for rejecting Tony Blair's bid for the European Presidency. Blair led this country into an illegal war and lied through his teeth to our parliament and citizens, which led to the mass murder of innocent men women and children in cohort with George Bush. far from being considered for any office on the world or local stage, Tony Blair must be made to face an international court of law for war crimes.
