European president to finally be declared
Tony Blair has long been touted as frontrunner for the post
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By Matt Hallam. |  |
Thursday, 19, Nov 2009 12:30
By Richard James.
European leaders are set to end years of speculation later today and appoint a new president of the European council.
Former prime minister Tony Blair has long been touted as frontrunner for the post despite having never formally thrown his hat into the ring.
The appointment of a president and a high representative of foreign affairs are finally taking place after the Czech Republic became the last EU member to formally ratify the treaty, which comes into force on December 1st.
Czech president Vaclav Klaus officially signed the treaty on November 3rd, after the country's constitutional court decided to throw out a final legal objection.
The treaty is aimed at streamlining decision-making in the EU as well improving Europe's standing on the international stage.
Mr Blair's chances of securing the coveted position though appear to have dwindled sharply in recent weeks, with high-profile supporters such as German chancellor Angela Merkel and French president Nicolas Sarkozy distancing themselves from the former PM, who is seen as too much of a polarising figure.
His aggressive pursuit of conflict in Iraq despite warnings from the UN and EU is chief among objections to his appointment, with the war remaining seriously unpopular on the continent.
Instead, Belgium's prime minister Herman van Rompuy appears favourite to become the first EU president, although some corners are still calling for a more high profile candidate.
Gordon Brown has continually backed his predecessor for the role, but it may be a member of his current Cabinet who stands the better chance of securing a top European post.
Foreign secretary David Miliband was widely backed for the high representative position earlier this month, but he has since moved to distance himself from the role.
The actions of Mr Klaus at the beginning of the month caused serious embarrassment for the Conservatives after David Cameron was forced to withdraw his promise of a referendum on the treaty if the Tories were elected next year.