For and against: what key figures say on ‘EU president’ Blair
What key British and foreign figures are saying about the prospect of Tony Blair as EU president…
The Lisbon Treaty – the controversial blueprint which details the future of the European Union – is one signature away from ratification. The Czech Republic is the only country not to have signed the treaty and its president, Vaclav Klaus, is under intense pressure from other EU leaders to comply. The likelihood is that he will bow to the inevitable and sign at an EU summit at the end of this week. Once he does, two new job vacancies will need to be filled: that of EU foreign minister and EU president.
The current favourite for the role of EU president is Tony Blair, but as in his former life of British prime minister, he is a divisive figure.
Here is how the ‘pro’ and ‘anti’ camps line-up:
Charles Grant, director of the Centre for European Reform, in the Observer: “The message I hear in places such as Beijing, Delhi and Washington is that if the EU wants to be taken seriously, it should choose [Tony Blair] as president. As one Indian official said to me: ‘If you choose the prime minister of Luxembourg, we may not find time to meet him.’”
The Economist recently referred to the candidacy of the Belgian prime minister as “comical” while Tony Blair’s would be quite good for the EU standing next to the US. While Blair is a good choice as a figure head, the Belgian prime minister is perhaps superior in negotiating common positions (which is necessary in divided Belgium). I have just posted on what might be behind the British position here. http://euandus3.wordpress.com/2009/11/19/228
Although I understand there were pluses and minuses discussed in the ratification debate, I want to congratulate my European friends and say, chins up! It is difficult indeed to get unanimity among so many governments. I think it shows strength in Europe. If I haven’t disgusted you sufficiently already, I recommend the following post, http://euandus3.wordpress.com/2009/11/03/the-eu-as-a-partner-for-the-us/