Eu - Herman Van Rompuy

The re-election of Herman Van Rompuy for a second term as European Council president
constitutes a recognition of his working methods, proven by a lack of opponents put forward by
Member States. The experience he has gained as president might be useful in the negotiations
on the multiannual financial framework, which in its final stage will be debated in the European
Council. Additionally, by chairing the Euro Summits, the president may also strengthen his role
in the process of establishing a new economic governance model.
On 1 March, heads of state or government of the EU Member States decided to re-elect President
of the European Council Herman Van Rompuy to a new two-and-a-half-year term starting in June. He
was also designated president of the Euro Summits formalised by the Treaty on the Stability,
Coordination and Governance in the Economic and Monetary Union (fiscal compact) concluded by
25 EU member states on 2 March.
Prerogatives of the European Council President. The Lisbon Treaty (LT) institutionalised the
European Council and introduced its permanent president, who prepares and convenes the
European Council, which until the LT entered into force was chaired by the Member State holding
the rotating presidency. European Council preparations are conducted on the basis of the work of the
General Affairs Council (GAC), which is chaired by the presidency. However, the European Council
president, supported by a cabinet and the General Secretariat of the EU Council, prepares the initial
draft agenda and conclusions. Although, the European Council rules of procedures point to close
cooperation with the presidency, this depends on one hand on the will of the European Council
president and, on the other, on the determination of the Member States to maintain the role of the
presidency and GAC in the process of gaining agreement to the conclusions.
The European Council president represents the EU externally in common foreign and security
policy...