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Balkenende congratulates Van Rompuy

News item | 23-11-2009

Belgian Prime Minister Herman van Rompuy has been appointed the first permanent president of the European Council. Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende has offered his congratulations and looks forward to a productive working relationship.

Mr Balkenende made this statement at a press conference following the extra European Council on 19 November 2009.

The Dutch prime minister described Mr van Rompuy as someone who enjoyed broad backing. 'I've promised him my full support.'

At the same meeting of the Council, Catherine Ashton was appointed high representative for foreign affairs and security policy. Previously, she had been the EU commissioner for external trade.

Mr Balkenende looks forward to working with both. He is 'extremely pleased' that the EU can now move on after the protracted discussion surrounding the Lisbon Treaty. In his view, Europe can now turn its attention to the pressing issues of employment, security and climate change.