He succeeds Herman van Rompuy for two and a half years. The Polish Donald Tusk took over the presidency of the European Council. He is the one who will chair summits and which will have to negotiate compromises to 28. After three months of intensive support, it is in English not so laborious that it addressed the staff.
"If you're a little nervous about this replacement, patron of change, do not worry. I myself am a little nervous too, perhaps more than you. But it will pass. In fact, it is a great honor for me to start working here, and obviously a great challenge. "dropoff Window
Having spent seven years at the head of the Polish government, he knows the European leaders to whom he happened to stand up for the interests of his country. Now it is unifying it will have to act. And the fact that he comes from the most populous state in the East gives it some foundation. Donald Tusk also intends to focus on foreign policy and his appointment is likely to reassure the countries of Central and Eastern Europe worried about what is happening in Ukraine. He does remains a pragmatic and will negotiate with Russia if necessary to try to find a solution to the Ukrainian crisis.
To better understand what is expected of Donald Tusk, euronews asked Piotr Kaczynski Maceij, Professor at the European Institute of Public Administration.
euronews: "The predecessor of Donald Tusk, Herman van Rompuy, was nicknamed Mr Invisible, partly because of his lack of charisma and for its discretion and patience during the negotiations with European leaders behind the scenes. What are the qualities of the new president? "dropoff Window
Piotr Kaczynski Maceij: "I think Herman van Rompuy is a master in the art of compromise, and it is precisely for this reason that Donald Tusk was chosen to succeed him. As Polish Prime Minister, he proved that he was a rather charismatic leader, so we'll see how it will manifest in his new role. "dropoff Window
euronews: "We know he does not speak French and tries to improve his English, which is laborious. To what extent is the knowledge of these languages important for communicating with European leaders? "dropoff Window
Piotr Kaczynski Maceij: "There was a play that was circulating there a few months, saying that he would try to polish her English, polish His English in english, before 1 December. So we'll see if he has succeeded. But I think his English is already good enough to be able to negotiate these compromises. "dropoff Window
euronews: "We also know that he speaks very good German, which is a good point, he also very good relations with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, is not it? "dropoff Window
Piotr Kaczynski Maceij "Yes, and that's crucial. This is the central relationship. Besides the level of language it might surprise us. Herman van Rompuy juggled from one language to another press conference from Dutch to French or English, and Donald Tuks will probably even between Polish, English and German. "dropoff Window
euronews: "Now for the challenges ahead in the program. The reform of the European Union is one. It is claimed by the United Kingdom, which threatens to leave the Union. What will be its strategy to manage David Cameron? "dropoff Window
Piotr Kaczynski Maceij "The relationship or partnership between the British Prime Minister - David Cameron if he again after the next election - and the President of the European Council and other Council members will be central. Why? Because it will result either by opening the Pandora's box and the output of the European Union to the United Kingdom or by a more favorable outcome. "dropoff Window
euronews: "In foreign policy, he obviously has the challenge of Rusie is major, with the Ukrainian crisis, but also the energy dependence of Europe on Russian gas. As a Pole, Tusk will he the hawk that counterbalances the dove, as it tends appoint the High Representative Federica Mogherini? "dropoff Window
Piotr Kaczynski Maceij "Donald Tusk is the one who initiated the idea of an energy union last spring. And this idea of an energy union and energy independence of the Europeans, in the current context, could be a major issue, something that we want to see happen. As to Russia and Ukraine, it is a crisis he understands. It has a different approach to Russia compared to other European countries. He knows much more about Russia and other members of the Council. And that should get him to breathe more realistic policy. "dropoff Window
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