By Martin Banks - 9th January 2008
Speculation is mounting over the likely frontrunners to become the EU’s first fully-fledged president.
Media reports suggest former UK prime minister Tony Blair is an early favourite for the post of president of the council of ministers.
The job will carry a package worth about €266,000 and would make its occupant the most important figure in EU politics.
A story in the Daily Telegraph on Wednesday says that French president Nicolas Sarkozy is actively promoting Blair for the role.
He told the paper that he and Blair held talks over Christmas while both were holidaying in the Egyptian resort of Sharm El Sheikh.
Last October, Sarkozy said choosing Blair would be a “smart move” because he remained one of the EU’s most outstanding figures.
His comments are echoed by former UK Europe minister Denis MacShane who said,"Many in Euriope think Blair is a natural for the job."
He warned, though, that Blair’s support for the war in Iraq and the UK’s decisions not to take part in core EU projects, such as the euro, might count against him when EU leaders vote later this year.
Other top European politicians are also thought likely to throw their hats into the ring.
These include long-time Luxembourg premier Jean-Claude Juncker, former Spanish prime minister Jose-Maria Aznar and Irish Taoiseach Bertie Ahern.
The EU post - which could be taken on a three-day working week - will begin in January next year and lasts two and a half years.
It will replace the current rotating six-month presidencies between member states.
Detailed discussions over who gets the job are not expected to take place until the second half of this year, under the French presidency.
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