President of the European Council

President of the
European Council

Logo of the EU Council
Nicolas Sarkozy MEDEF.jpg
Incumbent
Nicolas Sarkozy (France)
Term length 6 months (rotational)
2½ years (permanent)
Inaugural holder Liam Cosgrave (rotational)
no candidate (permanent)
Formation 1975 (rotational)
2009 (permanent)
Website none

The President of the European Council is a position in the European Union that chairs the European Council. At present it is an unofficial low key position (also referred to as the President-in-Office) which rotates between member states every six months.

Under the proposed Treaty of Lisbon, this system would be replaced by a permanent two and a half year post. If the new treaty is agreed as planned, the first permanent President would be appointed in 2009. The new position has been touted as the "President of the European Union".[1]

The exact nature of the new post is uncertain, no formal powers are granted and its relationship with other major posts is unclear. Its influence and role will largely be decided by the nature of the first person to occupy the post.

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Further information: List of European Councils

The first European Council was held in 1961 as an informal summit, but only became formalised in 1974. The presidency system was based on the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, with it being hosted by the member state holding the Council Presidency. As the European Council is composed of national leaders, it is chaired by the head of state or government of the Presidency state. This "President-in-Office" position is roughly defined beyond that and rotates along with the Council Presidency every six-months.[2][3][4]

The European Constitution, drafted by the European Convention, outlined the "President of the European Council" which would replace the role of the Council Presidency in the European Council.[5] The Constitution was rejected by voters during ratification but the changes to the European Council, including the position of President, was retained in the Treaty of Lisbon, planned to come into force in 2009. However, the prospects of the Treaty of Lisbon remain unclear after the rejection of the treaty by Irish voters.[6]

Pre-2009 post

The role of President-in-Office of the assembled European Council is performed by the head of government of state of the member state currently holding the Council Presidency. This presidency rotates every six months, with every three presidencies co-operating on a common programme in triplets, meaning there is also a new president of the European Council every six months. The agenda of the meetings are defined by the Presidency, hence it may be misused by the country holding the Presidency by pushing their national interests up the agenda. The presiding country may also have additional negotiators at the table.[7][8][3]

The role as President-in-Office is in no sense equivalent to an office of a head of state, merely a primus inter pares (first among equals) role with other European heads of government. The President-in-Office is primarily responsible for preparing and chairing Council meetings, and has no executive powers. It does however offer external representation of the council and the Union and reports to the European Parliament after Council meetings and at the beginning and end of the Presidency.[7][8]

Election

As currently proposed, the new President of the European Council would be elected for a two and a half year term. The election would take place by a qualified majority among the members of the body, and the President can be removed by the same procedure. Unlike the President of the European Commission, there is no approval from the European Parliament.[5]

Democratic mandate

The lack of accountability to MEPs or national parliamentarians has also cast doubt as to whether national leaders will in practice stand behind the President on major issues.[9] The President under the rotational system simply has the mandate of their member state while the permanent position would be elected by the rest of the European Council.[10]

There have been some calls for direct elections to take place to give the President a mandate, this would strengthen the post within the Council allowing for stronger leadership in addition to addressing the question of democratic legitimacy in the EU. However, this might cause conflict with Parliament's democratic mandate or a potential mandate for the Commission (see section below). To give a mandate to the European Council's President would signify a development of the Union's governance towards a Presidential system, rather than a Parliamentary system.[10]

Duties and powers

The President's work would be largely administrative in coordinating the work of the Council and organising the meeting, in contrast to holding executive powers. He or she would represent the body within the Union reporting to the European Parliament after each meeting, as well as representing the Union in foreign policy alongside the High Representative.[5] However there is considerable overlap between the roles of the President, the Commission President and the High Representative, notably in foreign policy, leaving uncertainty about how much influence the President would actually have. There is further concern that the President would have enough personal and resources to fulfil their duties effectively. In lacking their own ministry, the President might become a "play ball" between EU leaders.[9]

Combined post

Further information: President of the European Union

Although the President may not hold a national office, such as a Prime Minister of a member state, there is no such restraint on European offices. For example, the President may be an MEP, or most notably the Commission President (who already sits in the European Council). This would allow the Council to combine the position, with its powers, of both executive bodies into a single Presidential position.[5]

Were the post not to be combined, there are concerns that the dual-presidential system would lead to "cohabitation" and infighting between the two offices. While it is comparable to the French model, where there is a President (the Council President) and Prime Minister (the Commission President), the Council President does not hold formal powers such as the ability to directly appoint and sack the other, or the ability to dissolve Parliament. Hence while the Council President may have prestige, it would lack power and while the Commission President would have power, it would lack the prestige of the former.[11] This problem may be increased further if the permanent President were to be strengthened by a democratic mandate, as mentioned above.[10]

Privileges of office

The Résidence Palace in Brussels is under renovation to become the European Council's new headquarters.

Formal negotiations on the salary and privileges of the job began in April 2008 as part of the draft of the 2009 EU budget. The present ideas are that the President would get the same treatment as the President of the Commission. In regards to salary, this would be €270,000, although this will not be formally announced until after the Irish referendum of the Lisbon Treaty.[12]

In terms of other privileges the President would receive, a chauffeured car and around 20 dedicated staff members. S/he would also have a housing allowance, rather than an official residence (future headquarters of the European Council, Résidence Palace, was suggested) which was considered "too symbolic". Likewise, the idea of a private jet was also rejected for being symbolic and, as one diplomat pointed out, a discrepancy in privileges between the Council and Commission presidents may only fuel rivalry between the two.[12]

The possibility of their being greater perks for the Council President than Commission President has prompted Parliament to threaten a rejection of the 2009 budget. It sees a large salary and extras as a symbolic signal that the post is intended to become more powerful, increasing intergovernmentalism at the Parliament's expense. With some in the Council suggesting a staff of up to 60, the Committee on Constitutional Affairs has indicated it may drop the gentlemen's agreement that Parliament and Council will not interfere in each others budget.[13]

First president

The first President is expected to "set the job description" for future office holders[14] as there is no clear idea of how the post would evolve. One body of thought is the President would stick to the administrative role as outlined by the treaty, a standard bearer who would simply chair meetings and ensure the smooth running of the body and its policies. This would attract semi-retired leaders seeking a fitting climax to their career and would leave most work to the civil service rather than wield power within the institutions.[15]

However another opinion would see a more pro-active President within the Union and speaking for it abroad. This post would hence be quickly fashioned into a de facto "President of Europe" and, unlike the first model, would be seen on the world stage as speaking for the EU. Persons connected to this position would be more charismatic leaders.[5]

The Treaty of Lisbon doesn't define a nomination process for the President of the Council. Candidates are discussed as politicians bring them into play. At the final Council meeting on the Reform Treaty in Lisbon, on 19 November 2007, French President Nicolas Sarkozy set off public speculation on candidates by naming Tony Blair and Jean-Claude Juncker, and praising both as worthy candidates,[16] but France has stated it as not officially supporting anybody for the job.[17]

Bertie Ahern

Bertie Ahern, former Prime Minister of Ireland, is the bookmaker's leading candidate for President

Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern's reputation for economic turnaround and as a proven peacemaker may help Ahern become a viable candidate for the post of European Union president, a job set to be created next year. The former Taoiseach of Ireland has been mentioned numerous times for the role.[18] Major Bookmaker Bet 24, puts the odds of Ahern filling the role at 10-1.[19] Ahern helped the Irish economy more than double in size.[20][21] His term in office has been recognized as a period of economic growth in Ireland, known as the Celtic Tiger. Increased prosperity and a better standard of living were the main results of the Celtic Tiger economy, alongside low levels of unemployment.[22] He also worked to settle a conflict that spanned three decades and claimed about 3,500 lives. He helped negotiate the Belfast Agreement, commonly called the Good Friday Agreement, in which the British and Irish Governments and most Northern Irish political parties established an "exclusively peaceful and democratic" framework for power-sharing in Northern Ireland. Mr Ahern's resignation as Taoiseach in May 2008 was prompted by ongoing investigations by a tribunal of inquiry into financial irregularities surrounding the former Taoisech, many of which date to the early 1990s. Though Mr Ahern insists he has not received any corrupt payments at any time, the investigation continues. There may be a reluctance in some European countries to support the candidacy of someone who may become embroiled in further investigations during his term.[23]

Tony Blair

Tony Blair, former British Prime Minister, has been touted by some as a candidate for President

The former British Prime Minister Tony Blair has also been mentioned. Blair was one of the architects of a permanent president[24] and has been touted for the job as far back as 2002, before the signing of the constitution. Rumours of his appointment have re-emerged since his resignation as Prime Minister, and from British politics, in 2007.[25][1][26]

Gordon Brown, Blair's successor as British Prime Minister, expressed his belief that Blair would make an excellent President.[27] However, he noted it was premature to discuss candidates before the treaty was approved.[24]

In addition, Tony Blair's nomination may be opposed by small states, who believe the large states have enough of their people at the top. An online petition (stopblair.eu) was also set up against Blair's candidacy.[28] Diplomats and leading politicians in a number of states are opposing him.[29] In the European Parliament, Blair faces opposition from the Socialists and some Christian Democrats[30] who have formed a cross-party group against his candidacy.[29] In Germany, Chancellor Angela Merkel is considered to be opposed to the candidacy, citing her words that the Council President should be "a man of balance"[31] In April 2008, France, Germany and the United Kingdom made a deal that they would not back a candidate opposed by any one of them. Due to opposition from Germany, Blair may be ruled out.[27]

In France, Blair faces opposition from the French Socialist Party,[32] French conservative elder statesmen Valéry Giscard d'Estaing[33] and Édouard Balladur.[34] Other commentators interpreted Sarkozy's public support for Blair as a diversion tactic: according to them, Blair "stands no chance"[35] of being appointed and his failure would have the effect of disqualifying him for other top EU jobs, too.[36][35][37]

A spokesman for Tony Blair has not ruled out Blair accepting the post, saying he was concentrating on his current role in the Middle East[38] Some believe he is unlikely to take the position as it comes with few powers.[24] On 12 January 2008 Blair was invited to attend a rally for Sarkozy's party, the Union for a Popular Movement. There he appeared, according to some commentators, to launch a bid for the Presidency.[32]

Europe is not a question of left or right, but a question of the future or the past, of strength or weakness ... Terrorism, security, immigration, organised crime, energy, the environment, science, biotechnology and higher education. In all these areas, and others, we are much stronger and able to deliver what our citizens expect from us as individual nations if we are part of a strong and united Europe.

—Tony Blair at January 2008 UMP rally, [32]

The following month it was reported that Blair was warming to the idea, so long as the job was not to be dominated by chairing meetings and brokering deals, as formally outlined by the treaty.[24] Reports also said that Blair would take the job only if "it comes with real powers to intervene in defense and trade affairs"[39] Under the treaties, these areas are the prerogatives of the European Commission, Council and High Representative.

Reports from early May indicated that Blair had lost the support of Sarkozy, as well, thus most likely barring him from getting the post[40] even though, in a July 2008 poll, he is the candidate most supported by European businesses to take the role.[41]

Jean-Claude Juncker

Jean-Claude Juncker, current Luxembourgian Prime Minister, has been the leading rival candidate on the right

A second oft-mentioned name for the first full-time President is the current Prime Minister of Luxembourg, Jean-Claude Juncker.[36][35] Supporters see Juncker as experienced in EU negotiations and committed to European integration, and a guarantor for small member states.

Juncker is seen as a key mediator in the agreement over the Treaty of Maastricht, and the main author of its parts on the Euro.[42] He is also credited with saving the agreement on the Stability and Growth Pact.[42][43] In 2004, he became the permanent President of the Eurogroup, the group of finance ministers of the member states in the Eurozone.

During the drafting of the failed European Constitution, Juncker has been a leading opponent of the creation of a strong full-time Council President, and was thus instrumental in "massively clipping the wings"[44] of the post relative to the original plans of the "ABC-camp" (Aznar, Blair, Chirac[45]). He was concerned that a Parliament-independent Council President would usurp the powers of the Parliament-dependent Commission President.[44] Small EU member states also saw the new post as a way for the large members to gain power at their expense.[45][46] To allay these fears, before the failure of the Constitution in French and Dutch referendums, Mr. Juncker has been intensely lobbied to accept the job, but he insisted to fulfill the promise he just made to his voters in Luxembourg to serve another full term.[43]

The European Council agreed on the final draft of the successor of the failed Constitution, the Reform Treaty, on 19 October 2007. The same day, French President Nicolas Sarkozy brought up Juncker's name again in public.[16] Juncker would reportedly enjoy the support of many national governments,[31] as well as the Christian Democrats and Martin Schulz, the faction leader of the Socialists in the European Parliament.[47] However, Mr. Juncker himself didn't want to decide on candidacy early.[47]

French President Sarkozy's open endorsement of Blair in January 2008 led some politicians to come out with their endorsement for Juncker. For the German part of the European People's Party faction, MEP Werner Langen (EVP-ED/CDU) stated a lack of "European impulses" from Blair, and named Juncker as one of two possibilities.[48] Marielle de Sarnez (MoDem), vice-chair of ALDE, also endorsed him.[49]

Apart from Sarkozy, no members of national governments came out with clear endorsements in public. However, Juncker has reportedly a wider support than Blair[50].[51][52] He is reportedly favoured by German chancellor Angela Merkel,[53] and French media consider as factor that Juncker is a "germanophile".[36] On 24 January 2008, it was announced that Juncker will receive the German Citizens' Order of Merit,[54] the award of a private foundation,[55] but at the award ceremony on 19 February 2008, Chancellor Merkel held the laudation herself.[56] The laudation has been interpreted as implicit but open endorsement.[57]

Some commentators even assume that Juncker is French President Sarkozy's real choice, too, and Blair is only a diversion tactic.[37][36] On 12 February 2008, junior French minister for European affairs Jean-Pierre Jouyet declared that the first Council President must come from the Eurozone and must be an "authentic European" who knows the workings of EU institutions, which has been interpreted as a circumscription of Juncker.[52]

Possible points against Juncker's candidacy are his potential conflict with European Commission leader Barroso, his health, and that he may face opposition from more Eurosceptic member state governments. Those favouring a strong and charismatic Council President also consider Juncker to be drab and not well known. There is also speculation that the two highest-profile candidates in the race, Juncker and Blair cancel each other out.[58]

Anders Fogh Rasmussen

Anders Fogh Rasmussen, current Danish Prime Minister, could be a compromise

Anders Fogh Rasmussen is the current Prime Minister of Denmark and was named as the top candidate by The Times in May 2008.[59]

Rasmussen has some problems with the four Danish exceptions, and his worst problem could be that France believes him to be more interested in the job as head of NATO[60]

Other candidates

Aside from Ahern, Blair, Juncker and Rasmussen, there have been other suggestions for candidates including: former President of Poland Aleksander Kwaśniewski, former Chancellor of Austria Wolfgang Schüssel,[48] former Tsar of Bulgaria and former Prime Minister of Bulgaria Simeon Saxe-Coburg-Gotha[61] and Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt.[62] Italian right-wing politician Gianfranco Fini, leader of Alleanza Nazionale, endorsed former Prime Minister of Spain José María Aznar.[63]

European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso may also be a candidate. Although know to be seeking a second term leading the Commission, he may try for the Council if he believed the job was to be bigger and better.[28][64]

Commission Vice-President Margot Wallström has criticised the fact no women have been proposed, a symptom she claims is due to the behind the scenes selection process going already which is dominated by "old men". She dismisses the absence of female candidates being due to competence, claiming that former Irish President Mary Robinson, Finnish President Tarja Halonen and former Commissioner and MEP Emma Bonino are all sound candidates. Wallström claims she is not herself interested in any more high profile jobs.[62] German Chancellor Angela Merkel is another female possibility, and her current term expires in 2009. She is also a leader from a large country that some smaller countries would not object to.[28]

See also

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Hall, Ben (2007-05-03). "New post of EU chief tempts Blair". Financial Times. Retrieved on 2007-07-12.
  2. ↑ Stark, Christine. "Evolution of the European Council: The implications of a permanent seat" (PDF). Dragoman.org. Retrieved on 2007-07-12.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 van Grinsven, Peter (September 2003). "The European Council under Construction" (PDF). Netherlands Institution for international Relations. Retrieved on 2007-08-16.
  4. ↑ Europa (web portal). "Consolidated EU Treaties" (PDF). Retrieved on 2007-06-27.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 "SCADPlus: The Institutions of the Union: European Council". Europa (web portal). Retrieved on 2007-06-27.
  6. ↑ BBC News (2007-10-19). "Q&A: The Lisbon Treaty". Retrieved on 2007-11-18.
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 "How does the EU work". Europa (web portal). Retrieved on 2007-07-12.
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 "European Council". Europa (web portal). Retrieved on 2007-07-12.
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 Magony, Honor (2007-11-28). "Unclear EU treaty provisions causing 'nervousness'". EU Observer. Retrieved on 2007-11-28.
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 Leinen, Jo. "A President of Europe is not Utopian, it's practical politics". Europe's World. Retrieved on 2007-11-18.
  11. ↑ Hix, Simon. "Why the Franco-German Plan would institutionalise 'cohabitation' for Europe". Foreign Policy Centre. Retrieved on 2007-10-01.
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 Mahony, Honor (2008-04-14). "Member states consider perks and staff for new EU president". EU Observer. Retrieved on 2008-04-15.
  13. ↑ Mahony, Honor (2008-04-22). "MEPs to use budget power over EU president perks". EU Observer. Retrieved on 2008-04-22.
  14. ↑ Goldirova, Renata (2007-10-22). "First names floated for top new EU jobs". EU Observer. Retrieved on 2007-10-22.
  15. ↑ Iey Berry, Peter Sain (2007-11-16). "[Comment The new EU president" standard bearer or shaker?]". EU Observer. Retrieved on 2007-11-18.
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 "CONFERENCE DE PRESSE DU PRESIDENT DE LA REPUBLIQUE, M. NICOLAS SARKOZY". France diplomatie (2007-10-19). Retrieved on 2008-02-18.
  17. ↑ Vucheva, Elitsa (2008-02-27). "France says it has no preferred EU president candidate". EU Observer. Retrieved on 2008-02-29.
  18. ↑ Mahony, Honor (2007-08-27). "Ireland speculates on Ahern becoming EU president". EU Observer. Retrieved on 2007-07-12.
  19. ↑ Bloomberg.com: News
  20. ↑ Teagasc - Population And Agricultural Change In Rural Ireland, 1991 To 2002
  21. ↑ How Ireland Became the Celtic Tiger
  22. ↑ Irish Economy
  23. ↑ BBC NEWS | Europe | A 'George Washington' for Europe
  24. ↑ 24.0 24.1 24.2 24.3 Grice, Andrew (2007-10-20). "Blair emerges as candidate for 'President of Europe'". The Independent. Retrieved on 2007-10-21.
  25. ↑ Parker, George (2007). "UK PM 'a serious candidate'". Financial Times. Retrieved on 2007-06-27.
  26. ↑ Open Europe (2007). "Blair for President of Europe!". Retrieved on 2007-06-27.
  27. ↑ 27.0 27.1 Merrick, Jane (2008-04-20). "Brown deal bars Blair from top EU job". The Independent. Retrieved on 2008-04-20.
  28. ↑ 28.0 28.1 28.2 Mardell, Mark. "Tony Blair and the race for the presidency". BBC Newsdate=2008-02-06. Retrieved on 2008-02-10.
  29. ↑ 29.0 29.1 Traynor, Ian; David Gow (2008-02-20). "Stop Blair: ambition to lead Europe hits fierce opposition". The Guardian. Retrieved on 2008-02-23.
  30. ↑ "Rote Rebellion gegen Tony Blair". Die Presse (2008-01-17). Retrieved on 2008-02-18.
  31. ↑ 31.0 31.1 "Poker um Europas neuen Chefposten". Hamburger Abendblatt (2008-01-30). Retrieved on 2008-02-14.
  32. ↑ 32.0 32.1 32.2 Mahony, Honor (2008-01-14) Blair sets out EU vision amid talk of top European job EU Observer
  33. ↑ "Valéry Giscard d'Estaing ne veut pas de Tony Blair à la tête de l'Europe". Le Monde (2008-01-17). Retrieved on 2008-02-18.
  34. ↑ Balladur, Édouard (2008-02-08). "A remarkable man, but no EU president". The Times. Retrieved on 2008-02-18.
  35. ↑ 35.0 35.1 35.2 Winkler, Stefan (2008-01-16). "Der große Jobpoker in der EU". Kleine Zeitung. Retrieved on 2008-02-14.
  36. ↑ 36.0 36.1 36.2 36.3 Avril, Pierre (2008-01-18). "Grandes manœuvres à la tête de l'Europe". Le Figaro. Retrieved on 2008-02-14.
  37. ↑ 37.0 37.1 Szőcs, László (2008-02-11). "Állítsátok meg Tony Blairt!". Népszabadság. Retrieved on 2008-02-14.
  38. ↑ Summers, Deborah (2007-10-19). "Brown backs Blair for EU president". The Guardian. Retrieved on 2008-05-04.
  39. ↑ "I'll be president of Europe if you give me the power - Blair". The Guardian (2008-02-02). Retrieved on 2008-02-14.
  40. ↑ BBC NEWS | UK | Sarkozy 'non' to Blair presidency
  41. ↑ Business favours Blair as EU president
  42. ↑ 42.0 42.1 Hausmann, Hartmut (2005-06-20). "Gordischer Finanzknoten nur schwer zu lockern". Das Parlament. Retrieved on 2008-02-18.
  43. ↑ 43.0 43.1 Fischer, Marlies (2008). ""Mister Euro" Ratspräsident Juncker hat schon so manche EU-Kuh vom Eis geholt.". Hamburger Abendblatt. Retrieved on 2008-02-18.
  44. ↑ 44.0 44.1 "Jean-Claude Juncker: Wissen nicht, wohin die Reise geht". Profil/Portal of the Government of Luxembourg (2003-06-23). Retrieved on 2008-02-18.
  45. ↑ 45.0 45.1 Schild, Joachim (2004-02-12). ""Power-Play" or Declining Power? German European Diplomacy Risks Losing Influence". Deutsche-Aussenpolitik.De. Retrieved on 2008-02-21.
  46. ↑ Bennett, Rosemary (2003-04-17). "Convention backs Blair's plan for EU presidency". The Times. Retrieved on 2008-02-18.
  47. ↑ 47.0 47.1 Schiltz, Christoph (2008-01-07). "Ringen um die Spitzenjobs in Europa". Die Welt. Retrieved on 2008-02-18.
  48. ↑ 48.0 48.1 "Werner Langen (EVP-ED/CDU): Blair fehlt Integrationskraft für Amt des EU-Ratspräsidenten". CDU/CSU group in the EP (2008-01-21). Retrieved on 2008-02-18.
  49. ↑ ""On ne peut plus gérer Paris droite contre gauche"". Le Parisien/Marielle de Sarnez (2008-01-20). Retrieved on 2008-02-18.
  50. ↑ "Name-Dropping Begins for EU's First President". Der Spiegel (2008-01-28). Retrieved on 2008-02-18.
  51. ↑ "Blair unlikely to get EU presidency". Reuters (2008-02-05). Retrieved on 2008-02-18.
  52. ↑ 52.0 52.1 "First EU president must be from euro zone". Reuters/The Financial Express (2008-02-12). Retrieved on 2008-02-18.
  53. ↑ "Tony Blair, EU-Präsident?". Die Zeit (2008-01-21). Retrieved on 2008-02-14.
  54. ↑ "Le "Deutscher Staatsbürgerpreis 2008" pour le Premier ministre Jean-Claude Juncker". Portal of the Government of Luxembourg (2008-01-24). Retrieved on 2008-02-18.
  55. ↑ Staatsbürgerliche Stiftung Bad Harzburg e. V. [1]
  56. ↑ "Laudatio von Bundeskanzlerin Merkel anlässlich der Verleihung des Deutschen Staatsbürgerpreises an den luxemburgischen Premierminister Jean-Claude Juncker". Bundeskanzlerin.de (2008-02-19). Retrieved on 2008-02-20.
  57. ↑ Proissl, Wolfgang (2008-02-21). "Beschossener Pudel". Financial Times Deutschland. Retrieved on 2008-02-14.
  58. ↑ Waterfield, Bruno (2008-02-07). "Stop Blair campaign gathers pace in Europe". The Telegraph. Retrieved on 2008-02-14.
  59. ↑ "Rasmussen as top candidate for EU Presidency". The Times (2008-05-06). Retrieved on 2008-05-06.
  60. ↑ "Juncker, favori pour présider le Conseil européen". Le Figaro (2008-05-06). Retrieved on 2008-05-06.
  61. ↑ Bulgaria's ex-tsar likely to bid for European Council president - People's Daily Online
  62. ↑ 62.0 62.1 Küchler, Teresa (2008-02-08). "Margot Wallstrom fed up with EU 'reign of old men'". EU Observer. Retrieved on 2007-10-22.
  63. ↑ "Gianfranco Fini apuesta por José María Aznar como futuro presidente de la UE". El País (2008-01-30). Retrieved on 2008-02-18.
  64. ↑ Buck, Tobias; George Parker (2006-12-22). "Barroso accused of currying favour with biggest states". Financial Times. Retrieved on 2007-11-26.

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