Belgian PM Herman Van Rompuy appointed first permanent president of EU
21 Nov 2009
The European Union (EU)'s first permanent president, Belgian prime minister Herman Van Rompuy is known to be a consensus builder more likely to take on the role of a chairman rather than a globe-trotting statesman. Rompuy counts tackling climate change and lowering EU unemployment rates among his priorities.
In his new role as the president of EU his tasks include liaising with EU leaders and arranging the bloc's annual summits. The centre-right leader with a reputation for being a skilled negotiator has a self-deprecating sense of humour, which has been instrumental in helping him hold together a fractious coalition government at home.
Shortly following the announcement of his presidential appointment, the 62-year old drily remarked on previous US complaints about the EU lacking a central go-to figure that he was anxiously awaiting the first phone call.
According to political analysts, his new assignment may, however, spell trouble for the coalition at home, which could fall apart without his leadership.
Though he is known little outside Belgium, Van Rompuy has pledged to be discreet in his new role. Van Rompuy has attended only two European summits.
Given his limited international reputation, critics say he will struggle to command attention on travels while representing Europe.
