EU leaders gather for crucial summit

Published: Thu, 29 Oct 2009 12:26:57

European Union leaders are meeting in Brussels today to discuss a wide-range of issues as the Lisbon Treaty gets ever closer to becoming a reality. The Czech Republic the only member state not to ratify the treaty and speculation has escalated in recent weeks over who will become EU president, if, and when, it comes into force. Former prime minister Tony Blair and Luxembourg's prime minister Jean-Claude Juncker are currently the lead candidates, with the former's seemingly smooth path into office now looking considerably tougher.

Mr Blair has yet to official throw his hat into the ring but opposition to his presidency has already begun, with suggestion both German chancellor Angela Merkel and French president Nicolas Sarkozy, who previously welcomed the idea, now re-thinking their position. Ms Merkel has been reported as saying she did not want to keep on meeting "Mr Flash" all the time, although that quote remains unconfirmed. Earlier this week, Gordon Brown told the House of Commons he would be "very happy" to support a bid by Mr Blair and is now expected to spend considerably time lobbying his case.

At the talks in Brussels, EU leaders are also expected to discuss economic strategies to bring their collective economies out of recession, as well as new climate change targets ahead of the Copenhagen summit in December.

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