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| Is the new EU President a good choice? | Is the new EU President a good choice? |
| (40 minutes later) | |
| Belgium's Herman van Rompuy is widely tipped for the presidency | Belgium's Herman van Rompuy is widely tipped for the presidency |
| EU leaders have chosen the Belgian Prime Minister, Herman van Rompuy, as their new President. Is he the best person for the job? | EU leaders have chosen the Belgian Prime Minister, Herman van Rompuy, as their new President. Is he the best person for the job? |
| Mr Van Rompuy, 62, backed by France and Germany, has a reputation as a coalition builder, having steered the divided Belgian government out of a crisis. | Mr Van Rompuy, 62, backed by France and Germany, has a reputation as a coalition builder, having steered the divided Belgian government out of a crisis. |
| He was the unanimous choice after the UK dropped its support for Tony Blair. | He was the unanimous choice after the UK dropped its support for Tony Blair. |
| The job of foreign affairs supremo has gone to the EU Trade Commissioner, Baroness Catherine Ashton from the UK. Prime Minister Gordon Brown said her appointment "gives Britain a powerful voice within the Council". | The job of foreign affairs supremo has gone to the EU Trade Commissioner, Baroness Catherine Ashton from the UK. Prime Minister Gordon Brown said her appointment "gives Britain a powerful voice within the Council". |
| What do you think of the appointments? Have the best people been chosen? Will Mr van Rompuy bring cohesion to the EU? Will he be a good representative on the world stage? Send us your comments using the form at the bottom of this page. Click here to send your comments. | What do you think of the appointments? Have the best people been chosen? Will Mr van Rompuy bring cohesion to the EU? Will he be a good representative on the world stage? Send us your comments using the form at the bottom of this page. Click here to send your comments. |
| We are currently experiencing technical difficulties with Have Your Say and are unable to moderate our debates in the usual way. This means we will not be able to publish as many comments as we usually do. | We are currently experiencing technical difficulties with Have Your Say and are unable to moderate our debates in the usual way. This means we will not be able to publish as many comments as we usually do. |
| Here are some of your comments: | Here are some of your comments: |
| I am very disappointed. Europe needs strong figures at the helm in order to turn around public opinion and make us count as a united world power instead of a bunch of frankly small players (Britain very much included). This is a small-minded and selfish move by EU "leaders" not wishing to be overshadowed and still believing that their small parts can be greater than the whole. Just wait until Merkel and Sarko are out of power and see if they still think there couldn't be a French or German EU president.Mark Smith, Plymouth | |
| Not only is this an affront to us in Britain who have been denied a referendum over Lisbon and thus this nonsense. It is also an affront to democracy itself. Who elected this woman? She is a labour placeman, appointed. Voted for by nobody. What an insult to those of us who actually believe in elective democracy. And on that basis - Van Rompuy can be called anything you like. He is no President of mine.Elizabeth, St Albans England. | |
| I'm just delighted that Teflon Tony was rejected. I'm not from either the Rabid Right or the Loony Left just prefer honesty to spin and the "celebrity" cult,Tom Veitch, Melrose UK | |
| It is difficult to see how two virtually unknown people can help the EU to gain more political clout on the world stage. Charming as Baroness Asthton may be she has not made any significant contribution so far in the UK so it is unlikely that this will alter on the wider political stage. These appointments have all the making of a co-ordinated political fudge and very little to do with advancing the European Community.Norman Shaw, United Kingdom | It is difficult to see how two virtually unknown people can help the EU to gain more political clout on the world stage. Charming as Baroness Asthton may be she has not made any significant contribution so far in the UK so it is unlikely that this will alter on the wider political stage. These appointments have all the making of a co-ordinated political fudge and very little to do with advancing the European Community.Norman Shaw, United Kingdom |
| Its nice to see democracy in action in the EU. Baroness Ashton has never been elected to any of her governmental roles, and sits at the top of the tree. People power indeed!Chris, Milton Keynes | Its nice to see democracy in action in the EU. Baroness Ashton has never been elected to any of her governmental roles, and sits at the top of the tree. People power indeed!Chris, Milton Keynes |
| Baroness Who?S Lazenby, St Athan, Barry Wales | |
| Having never heard of either of them tho' their profiles suggest both appear studiously uninteresting and mediocre characters I have a strong feeling that in the long term they'll emerge as puppets.J.Cowell, Braintree England | Having never heard of either of them tho' their profiles suggest both appear studiously uninteresting and mediocre characters I have a strong feeling that in the long term they'll emerge as puppets.J.Cowell, Braintree England |
| Weak names for a weak Europe... No wonder the US government is pleased. When will our politicians be ready to give up national power and pursue European interests?Max,UK | Weak names for a weak Europe... No wonder the US government is pleased. When will our politicians be ready to give up national power and pursue European interests?Max,UK |
| They seem to want bureaucrats for bureaucratic jobs. These two hardly appear to be inspirational movers and shakers which might have enthused us all. The European wheels will no doubt keep grinding along at a snails pace.Terry Hillier, Kingston-upon-Thames | They seem to want bureaucrats for bureaucratic jobs. These two hardly appear to be inspirational movers and shakers which might have enthused us all. The European wheels will no doubt keep grinding along at a snails pace.Terry Hillier, Kingston-upon-Thames |
| Any stable political union must be both legitimate and effective. Its hard to see either of these qualities manifest in these two appointments. Its ironic that in an attempt to try and buy time for consolidation Europe by failing to attend to its political foundation may well precipitate something of a crises. Michael Wood, London UK | Any stable political union must be both legitimate and effective. Its hard to see either of these qualities manifest in these two appointments. Its ironic that in an attempt to try and buy time for consolidation Europe by failing to attend to its political foundation may well precipitate something of a crises. Michael Wood, London UK |
| They're the right people because they were elected from a consesus of our leaders. It reflects EU's commitment as a bloc. Kevin Jason, Manchester,UK | They're the right people because they were elected from a consesus of our leaders. It reflects EU's commitment as a bloc. Kevin Jason, Manchester,UK |
| For some reason I did not receive my ballot paper to vote for the new EU president. I am pretty sure that in the rest of the world including the USA, Russia and even Afghanistan presidents are voted for. Therefore in my eyes the president of Europe does not represent me as he was just elected by a bunch of cronies in Europe who I am not sure that I elected either. And come to think of it is Baroness Ashton elected either?Dave James, Southam, England | For some reason I did not receive my ballot paper to vote for the new EU president. I am pretty sure that in the rest of the world including the USA, Russia and even Afghanistan presidents are voted for. Therefore in my eyes the president of Europe does not represent me as he was just elected by a bunch of cronies in Europe who I am not sure that I elected either. And come to think of it is Baroness Ashton elected either?Dave James, Southam, England |
| Given that the EU is not a federal State, unlike the USA or Russia, but a fairly loose union of sovereign countries, the role of the President and the "Foreign Minister" can only be that of a coordinator and consensual manager, 2.5 years in post instead of the current 6 months, thereby providing better continuity. That should allay fears of a "United States of Europe" Mike, Warsaw, Poland | |
| As a Belgian, I think the appointment of PM Herman Van Rompuy as the first President of Europe is, of course, an honour. But at the same time I think it's not a good thing for our country. Who's going to be the new PM? Will there be new elections again? Lots of questions. Once again "political chaos" in Belgium. Stijn Vlaeminck, Ghent, Belgium | |
| It seems to me that Brussels is busy 'keeping it in the family' so that the Commission can quietly continue it's economic agenda under the guidance of its bedfellows, the corporate lobbyists. The one hope that I have is that Baroness Ashton won't be a 'puppy' and that she will be true to her roots and will stick up for the rights and the needs of disadvantaged (both inside Europe and in Europe's trading partners) in the face of an ever-more 'Corporate Europe'. But the Machiavellian mechanisms behind the doors of the Commission do not leave me with much hope.Alan Searle, Cologne, Germany | |
| It is not just a wasted opportunity, but a deliberately avoided opportunity. The EU needs heavy hitters who can work with - and if necessary square up to - Obama, Putin et al. It is bad enough that the role of the President of the Council was watered down, but to appoint a nice, bland, international nonentity signals that Europe does not want to be a world power.Glossa, Glossa Greece | |
| This is a major beat of old Europe against the New Europe. Tony Blair was best fitted for the strong and new Europe president. The vote was for weak European Union.Danail Kossev, Sofia, Bulgaria | |
| I was surprised with the appointment of Baroness Ashton to the position of EU foreign affairs supremo. Britain has not fully adopted EU and refuses to use Euro as the common currency, is more friendly with US than EU, feels superior and thinks has superior legal and other policies than EU, does not fully support the Lisbon treaty. How could then a British representative support such a post in the EU? I wonder if she will put British interest over EU interest in fulfilling her role.Sonia Abrahamian, Limassol, Cyprus | |
| Who are these people? They have only been chosen because they will not overshadow Mr. Sarkozy or Mrs Merkel!Patricia, St Genis Laval, France | |
| The appointed persons are relatvely unknown in Europe and seem to lack even moderate carisma, therby suiting the Frensh, German and Italian leaders well, who now will run no risk of being put in the shadow by a strong, competent and carismatic EU leader team.Bjorn Gustbee, Jomala, Finland | |
| Von Rumpoy will use Belgium as his model for turning Europe into an efficient, modern federal state.Richard Russell, Eynatten, Belgium | Von Rumpoy will use Belgium as his model for turning Europe into an efficient, modern federal state.Richard Russell, Eynatten, Belgium |
| Yes, the best people have been chosen. Herman Van Rompuy isn't just a politician, he's a wise man too. He governs to united and doesn't put his own wishes first. Tony Blair didn't stand a chance. Imagine a President for Europe who doesn't back up the Euro. No one I spoke here could accept this. The United Kingdom can't rule Europe, using the British currency: the pound sterling. It may rule the waves, but in order to rule Europe, it needs to back up the European currency: the Euro.Sandy Vanderzee, Koksijde Belgium | Yes, the best people have been chosen. Herman Van Rompuy isn't just a politician, he's a wise man too. He governs to united and doesn't put his own wishes first. Tony Blair didn't stand a chance. Imagine a President for Europe who doesn't back up the Euro. No one I spoke here could accept this. The United Kingdom can't rule Europe, using the British currency: the pound sterling. It may rule the waves, but in order to rule Europe, it needs to back up the European currency: the Euro.Sandy Vanderzee, Koksijde Belgium |
| As a Turkish Citizen of Europe, it is very dissapointing to hear that Mr. Van Rompuy is chosen as the Leader of EU. It is a compromise not meant to fill in a leadership role. He is a known conservative with religious prejiduces. What the world needs is a strong liberal, inclusive EU. Not one with a figure head. | As a Turkish Citizen of Europe, it is very dissapointing to hear that Mr. Van Rompuy is chosen as the Leader of EU. It is a compromise not meant to fill in a leadership role. He is a known conservative with religious prejiduces. What the world needs is a strong liberal, inclusive EU. Not one with a figure head. |
| Bertan Atalay, The Hauge | Bertan Atalay, The Hauge |
| With the eventual accession of Turkey in EU notwithstanding existing difficulties, EU is expected to have a strong voice and influence in islamic world and Asia. Being known to be adamantly opposed to the membership of Turkey in EU, Mr.Van Rompuy's election to EU Presidency may have a setback to EU's evolving into a real world power. Ayhan Atay Kamel, Istanbul-TURKEY | With the eventual accession of Turkey in EU notwithstanding existing difficulties, EU is expected to have a strong voice and influence in islamic world and Asia. Being known to be adamantly opposed to the membership of Turkey in EU, Mr.Van Rompuy's election to EU Presidency may have a setback to EU's evolving into a real world power. Ayhan Atay Kamel, Istanbul-TURKEY |
| We, who turned our faces towards west and working hard to meet with EU pre requisitions in order to access to Union and be a part of the civilised world since years are very much disappointed with this decision. Let's hope van Rompuy will stay distant to his previously declared conservative mindset. We will carry on working on our duty, but I suspect this step from EU will have a negative influence on the Turkish citizen's perception of Union's sincerity on seeing us a full member.Altan Bekat, Izmir - Turkey | We, who turned our faces towards west and working hard to meet with EU pre requisitions in order to access to Union and be a part of the civilised world since years are very much disappointed with this decision. Let's hope van Rompuy will stay distant to his previously declared conservative mindset. We will carry on working on our duty, but I suspect this step from EU will have a negative influence on the Turkish citizen's perception of Union's sincerity on seeing us a full member.Altan Bekat, Izmir - Turkey |
| Van Rompuy is an excellent choice, for he is capable if thinking inclusively, rather than exclusively. Apart from many other qualities, this one is essential for the EU president.brede kristensen, Bucharest, Rumania | Van Rompuy is an excellent choice, for he is capable if thinking inclusively, rather than exclusively. Apart from many other qualities, this one is essential for the EU president.brede kristensen, Bucharest, Rumania |
| Great deal! I think the EU leaders have achieved a good balance amid a lot of sophisticated problem that so long had barred way of European Union to the 'world economic and political superpower' that in future would be able to compete with the US, China and Japan.Sincerely. LeonidLeoid Reshodko, Kyiv, Ukraine | Great deal! I think the EU leaders have achieved a good balance amid a lot of sophisticated problem that so long had barred way of European Union to the 'world economic and political superpower' that in future would be able to compete with the US, China and Japan.Sincerely. LeonidLeoid Reshodko, Kyiv, Ukraine |
| The choice of Mr Herman Van Rompuy as president of European Council is an excellent one!!! The choice of Mrs Catherine Ashton seems a good one as well. A good compromise, the Belgian way.Giovanni Temporin, Fleurus(Charleroi) Belgium | The choice of Mr Herman Van Rompuy as president of European Council is an excellent one!!! The choice of Mrs Catherine Ashton seems a good one as well. A good compromise, the Belgian way.Giovanni Temporin, Fleurus(Charleroi) Belgium |
| I think Van Rompuy was a good choice for the presidency. The EU president can only speak about a topic when the member states have reached a consensus on the common position. A charismatic president is useless when he isn't allowed to speak. I believe the chance of reaching such a common position is the highest with Van Rompuy in charge.Cedric, Kortrijk, Belgium | I think Van Rompuy was a good choice for the presidency. The EU president can only speak about a topic when the member states have reached a consensus on the common position. A charismatic president is useless when he isn't allowed to speak. I believe the chance of reaching such a common position is the highest with Van Rompuy in charge.Cedric, Kortrijk, Belgium |
| It is a travesty, both President and Foreign Secretary, and makes a mockery of the Lisbon Treaty. However it does show that Cameron is right about Europe and vindicates his parties move to the right and away from the centre of EU politics. Quite what message it sends to America and China about Europe's role in International Affairs I shudder to think.Ken, Kilrush, Ireland | It is a travesty, both President and Foreign Secretary, and makes a mockery of the Lisbon Treaty. However it does show that Cameron is right about Europe and vindicates his parties move to the right and away from the centre of EU politics. Quite what message it sends to America and China about Europe's role in International Affairs I shudder to think.Ken, Kilrush, Ireland |
| Yes Mr Van Rompuy is good choice.Nicu, Iasi, Romania | Yes Mr Van Rompuy is good choice.Nicu, Iasi, Romania |
| Tony Blair wanted the job but the Europeans did not want him. Mr Van Rompuy may not be the best person for the job, but he is a full member of the European Union. Unlike the UK, the Euro and open borders are two common areas that are better served by a member country. Next time around, if the UK wants the job, they should embrace those policies. Anonymous | Tony Blair wanted the job but the Europeans did not want him. Mr Van Rompuy may not be the best person for the job, but he is a full member of the European Union. Unlike the UK, the Euro and open borders are two common areas that are better served by a member country. Next time around, if the UK wants the job, they should embrace those policies. Anonymous |
| Yes, I think it is a good choice- Herman van Rompuy is PM of a country which is at the very heart of Europe, where the EU Parliament is located. He will be very well informed and up-to-date on everything to do with how the European Union works, and is in a good position to make intelligent and educated decisions about how Europe's laws and systems work. He'll also be an excellent position to represent Europe at the very top levels of international affairs- FAR better than the war criminal Tony Blair, who's reputation and credibility is in tatters in most nations of the world.Owen, Malvern, Worcestershire | Yes, I think it is a good choice- Herman van Rompuy is PM of a country which is at the very heart of Europe, where the EU Parliament is located. He will be very well informed and up-to-date on everything to do with how the European Union works, and is in a good position to make intelligent and educated decisions about how Europe's laws and systems work. He'll also be an excellent position to represent Europe at the very top levels of international affairs- FAR better than the war criminal Tony Blair, who's reputation and credibility is in tatters in most nations of the world.Owen, Malvern, Worcestershire |
| Firstly, I thank all the gods that the odious Blair isn't back. Having said that, this is typical of the EU elite. Decisions about the most important offices made secretly behind closed doors by the "In crowd". One of the new incumbents has never been elected to anything. This travesty is completely undemocratic and shameful. Many years ago I thought I was voting in favour of a European free trade area. They lied to us then and they are still lying to us now. Chris, Ceredigion | Firstly, I thank all the gods that the odious Blair isn't back. Having said that, this is typical of the EU elite. Decisions about the most important offices made secretly behind closed doors by the "In crowd". One of the new incumbents has never been elected to anything. This travesty is completely undemocratic and shameful. Many years ago I thought I was voting in favour of a European free trade area. They lied to us then and they are still lying to us now. Chris, Ceredigion |
| Anybody but Tony Blair and Sarkozy.Mary, Iowa City, Iowa | Anybody but Tony Blair and Sarkozy.Mary, Iowa City, Iowa |
| I personally would much have preferred to see Vaira Vike-Freiberga, former President of Latvia, as the President of the European Council. First of all, she speaks four languages, in addition to her native one, fluently, five in total, and since one aspect of the presidency is a sort of "Chairman"-like role, that would be a good asset, secondly she's a woman, there's way too few women in top EU posts. And thirdly she's from one of the newer member states.Troels, Silkeborg, Denmark | I personally would much have preferred to see Vaira Vike-Freiberga, former President of Latvia, as the President of the European Council. First of all, she speaks four languages, in addition to her native one, fluently, five in total, and since one aspect of the presidency is a sort of "Chairman"-like role, that would be a good asset, secondly she's a woman, there's way too few women in top EU posts. And thirdly she's from one of the newer member states.Troels, Silkeborg, Denmark |
| This just proves what a waste of time the EU is. Choosing a weak man, who is unknown and has no clout in the world. This position demanded a strong person who could stand up and challenge the Chinese and the Americans. It justifies my reasons for Not being interested in the EU! Rubbish!John, Derby, UK | This just proves what a waste of time the EU is. Choosing a weak man, who is unknown and has no clout in the world. This position demanded a strong person who could stand up and challenge the Chinese and the Americans. It justifies my reasons for Not being interested in the EU! Rubbish!John, Derby, UK |
| A disaster for Europe - as could be expected. Small-minded, internal focus has won the day after all. If anything positive is to come from this, is could be that is leaves the field open for Euro-sceptics to wonder what the EU member states are really after: a role on the international stage or merely someone to chair endless meetings on how taxpayers money is being wasted.Adrie, London, UK | A disaster for Europe - as could be expected. Small-minded, internal focus has won the day after all. If anything positive is to come from this, is could be that is leaves the field open for Euro-sceptics to wonder what the EU member states are really after: a role on the international stage or merely someone to chair endless meetings on how taxpayers money is being wasted.Adrie, London, UK |
| I feel the right choices have been made, since neither bring a lot confrontational baggage with them, they will I think draw the Union closer together, & provide, a steady calm approach, they will bring differing skills,& balance, to a difficult arena of politic's for anyone to operate in, their appointment's brought about a rare event, that of unity, amongst the council, an event in itself.Michael, Yorkshire, UK | I feel the right choices have been made, since neither bring a lot confrontational baggage with them, they will I think draw the Union closer together, & provide, a steady calm approach, they will bring differing skills,& balance, to a difficult arena of politic's for anyone to operate in, their appointment's brought about a rare event, that of unity, amongst the council, an event in itself.Michael, Yorkshire, UK |
| Just as long as it wasn't Blair. When I heard he hadn't got the job, I cheered.Margaret Nelson, Ipswich, UK | Just as long as it wasn't Blair. When I heard he hadn't got the job, I cheered.Margaret Nelson, Ipswich, UK |
| Another closed door appointment bureaucratic appointment. British troops fighting for democracy in Afghanistan and we cannot even have a vote here!Travs Valar, London | Another closed door appointment bureaucratic appointment. British troops fighting for democracy in Afghanistan and we cannot even have a vote here!Travs Valar, London |
| Seems to me a good balance, centre right and centre left cannot fault it, all with a good background and None -Seeking Glory Good solid Choice, Steady movements are required to consolidate the expanded EU With care on overseas policy. No snap decisions on these matters. Too much of that from the UK.WA Froud , Letchworth, Herts | Seems to me a good balance, centre right and centre left cannot fault it, all with a good background and None -Seeking Glory Good solid Choice, Steady movements are required to consolidate the expanded EU With care on overseas policy. No snap decisions on these matters. Too much of that from the UK.WA Froud , Letchworth, Herts |
| Is the new EU President a good choice? What choice? I did not have a say in choosing him. I did not have a say in whether there should be a president at all, I did not have a say in whether there should be a European Union, I do recall my parents having a say in choosing to join something called a Common Market, So I ask again, What choice?Sarah, London, UK | Is the new EU President a good choice? What choice? I did not have a say in choosing him. I did not have a say in whether there should be a president at all, I did not have a say in whether there should be a European Union, I do recall my parents having a say in choosing to join something called a Common Market, So I ask again, What choice?Sarah, London, UK |
| A complete and utter farce - a total EU stitch up. How are we meant to take these people seriously. Come on - anyone actually heard of them until now? About as much democracy as my cat can wield... i.e. zilch. Time to head for the door marked EXIT.N Henry, Weybridge, Surrey | A complete and utter farce - a total EU stitch up. How are we meant to take these people seriously. Come on - anyone actually heard of them until now? About as much democracy as my cat can wield... i.e. zilch. Time to head for the door marked EXIT.N Henry, Weybridge, Surrey |
| The best top level appointments are necessarily based on the proven, and potential, ability to make and maintain relationships that will serve the best interests of the organization and all of its members. What support the chosen individuals have, and the quality of their staff and advisors, is a factor in any such decision. It appears that the EU Council had those factors in mind when the selections were made. Certainly a better system than popular public election where charismatic dictators and demagogues, partly platforms, and the inept and unproven can sell themselves to a naive public, gaining power that they should not ever have. The roles in question are not starter jobs, with long learning curves, as is the case in some similar situations in some countries, but instead senior leadership roles that require experience.Bob, Hamilton, Canada | The best top level appointments are necessarily based on the proven, and potential, ability to make and maintain relationships that will serve the best interests of the organization and all of its members. What support the chosen individuals have, and the quality of their staff and advisors, is a factor in any such decision. It appears that the EU Council had those factors in mind when the selections were made. Certainly a better system than popular public election where charismatic dictators and demagogues, partly platforms, and the inept and unproven can sell themselves to a naive public, gaining power that they should not ever have. The roles in question are not starter jobs, with long learning curves, as is the case in some similar situations in some countries, but instead senior leadership roles that require experience.Bob, Hamilton, Canada |
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