Although changes are still possible, and neither has declared his candidacy, European diplomats say there is a growing consensus around the two leaders to fill posts that are intended to help the EU increase its global influence. “I’m betting on Van Rompuy and Miliband,” a senior EU official said.Another said: “I think we’re looking at Van Rompuy and Miliband.” The post of president of the Council of EU leaders is being created under the EU’s Lisbon treaty, designed to make decision-making smoother at the top of a political and trading bloc representing nearly 500 million people.
The high representative for foreign policy will have enhanced powers under the treaty, to help the 27-country bloc raise its global profile and match the rise of emerging powers such as China following the economic crisis. Van Rompuy, 62, is a low-profile center-right leader who has been Belgium’s prime minister for less than a year but has managed to hold together an uneasy coalition government.
His emergence as a strong candidate indicates that a majority of EU leaders want a deal-maker and broker who is good at building consensus rather than an established world statesman who can open doors in world capitals. Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair has been the front-runner but his chances have faded as EU leaders leant towards a consensus builder. However, Britain’s Europe minister said on Monday the government was still hopeful that Blair would win the post.
