EUROPE: L'HOMME DU CONSENSUS

In: Politique internationale: pi, Band 130

Abstract

Herman Van Rompuy was named to the newly created position of permanent President of the European Council in December 2009. Little known internationally-and even in Europe-the former Belgian prime minister has since made a name for himself. In this exclusive interview he shows quite a different side than the somewhat bland image often painted in the media. With considerable candor, he looks back at his first year in office, marked by efforts to contain the economic crisis that nearly brought several EU states to financial collapse, starting with Greece. He goes on to explain how he shares responsibilities with EU High Representative for Foreign Affaires Catherine Ashton and European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso. He offers sincere and unrehearsed answers to many other pertinent questions, including the European Union's relations with the United States under Barack Obama, and with Russia guided by Messrs Medvedev and Putin. The interview also touches on new plans to expand the EU, the Franco-German tandem and other issues, providing both insights and food for thought. Adapted from the source document.