"The position to which you have
elected me is a new one. I shall take office on the first of January, 2010.
The Lisbon treaty wanted to instill greater continuity and coherence in the
work of the European Council of heads of state and government.
Six-monthly presidencies for
the advantage of involving all 27 member states in the work of the Union.
The disadvantage was a lack of perspective. It’s my firm intention to insure
that our work develops over a long term period. A perspective that goes
beyond six months would allow us to be better organized where the major
multi-annual dossiers are concerned such as the financial perspectives of
the Lisbon strategy.
I also think that going back to
our roots in the European Council could help us to discuss from time to time
in an informal and open way the big questions of the European project.
I’m thinking more specifically
of the economic and social agenda, and this is a particularly urgent matter,
because of the environmental and energy challenges we face and the
aspirations we have for greater security and justice for all our fellow
citizens.
We’re living through exceptionally difficult times. The financial crisis and
its dramatic impact on employment and budgets, the climate crisis which
threatens our very survival.
A period of anxiety, uncertainty and lack of confidence. Yet these problems
can be overcome by a joint effort in and between our countries.
2009 is also the first year of global governance with the establishment
of the G-20 in the middle of the financial crisis. The climate conference in
Copenhagen is another step towards the global management of our planet.
Our mission, our presidency, is one of hope, supported by acts and by
deeds."
Herman Van Rompuy
President of the European Council
November 19, 2009, Brussels
