Welcome, Mr. President, to one of the toughest jobs in global politics. You had a killer agenda planned, including the conclusion of an European pact on immigration and asylum, the creation of a functional Mediterranean Union (with the EU-Med Summit in two weeks’ time) and robust responses to the looming natural resource shortage. Already, you had prepared answers to a number of key questions – including the often controversial immigration pact – to ensure a smooth ratification that would allow for the spotlight to shine brightly on you and your achievements. You hoped that your results-based leadership of the Union would impress your ever-critical citizens at home, who bemoan the lack of progress on key domestic reforms. And indeed, as a recent paper by the Bertelsmann Foundation underlines, Europe would have had a few things to look forward to, with respect to your approach to crucial foreign policy questions.
But now? Now that the Lisbon Reform Treaty lies all but in tatters? Now could really be your time to shine, M. le President. Instead, you are already isolating and rebuking people left and right, be it the Commission President, the Union's trade Commissioner or the Czech President. What a way to show everyone who's boss..
How will the Irish ‘No’ affect your turn at the helm of the Union? Charles Grant, Director of the Centre for European Reform argues that you’ll have to listen to Irish concerns and are likely to focus on negotiating exemptions for the green island. But looking ahead to all the other countries now wavering in their support for the Treaty, will it be enough? And more importantly, perhaps for you – will it make you look good? Will you still be talking to the people that matter a few months down the line? We’ll be watching…
