What will the EU president do?
Updated on 30 October 2009
The PM has backed his old rival, Tony Blair, to be the new EU president. But what exactly does the new job entail?
When will the new president be appointed?
The post won't officially be created until the Lisbon Treaty is fully ratified. This now looks likely to happen, though it's not a done deal. The Czech Republic, the only country still to sign, has agreed to sign, pending a court challenge. If the court challenge is rejected and the Czechs sign next month, the treaty will come into force on 1 December.
What will the new president do?
The full title of the new role is "president of the European Council". The European council is made up of EU big cheeses: the leaders of the 27 EU member states.
The exact job description has yet to be hammered out, but the role is administrative and ceremonial than executive. The president will chair council meetings, although unlike all the other heads of states in attendance, he or she won't have a country of their own to run.
The European council usually meets four times a year, so this won't exactly take up all of their time; they will also "drive forward" the European council's work.
Perhaps more importantly for a big hitter wishing to make their mark, the president will represent the EU internationally, acting as a high-level ambassador for Europe.
Isn't there already an EU president?
Currently EU leaders take it in turns to act as president of the council for six months at a time.
This new permanent role is intended to bring more consistency and allow the EU to act as a bigger hitter on the international stage. Under the current system, as more countries have joined the EU, it now means that each has to wait 13-and-a-half years to get their turn in the chair.
Another new job is also being created - high representative for common foreign and security policy - in effect a foreign minister for the EU.
How long will the EU president hold the job for?
They're elected for a fixed term of two-and-a-half years, and can serve a maximum of two terms.
Will the president be paid?
Yes, around 240,000 euros. On the current exchange rate, that's a fair bit more than the British PM. They will also get other perks, including a housing allowance.
Can I vote for the new president?
No - it's up to the prime minister to do that on your behalf. The EU president will be elected by all 27 EU leaders. The elected European parliament won't have a say.
Who will the first president be?
Tony Blair's name had been touted around as a potential big-hitter, but his European star already appears to have waned.
Former Irish PM John Bruton has thrown his hat into the ring.
Other candidates tipped include former Luxembourg leader Jean-Claude Juncker, former Spanish prime minister Felipe Gonzalez, and Dutch PM Jan Peter Balkenende.
