The European Council this week elected Donald Tusk, Prime Minister of Poland, as the Council’s new president. Mr. Tusk will serve for two and a half years in the position, and may seek reelection for a second term.
The EU also appointed Federica Mogherini as EU high Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the position previously held by Baroness Catherine Ashton. Ms. Mogherini currently serves as Italy’s foreign minister.
The Council’s press release, along with brief profiles of Tusk and Mogherini, can be found here.
High Representative Mogherini is reportedly seen by some EU member states as not having the experience or inclination to deal with the current tensions between Europe and Russia, a suggestion the Minister flatly refutes. The Washington-based Brookings Institution has published analysis stating that Mogherini’s appointment is based on political deals, rather than merit, and accusing her of lacking the will to stand up to Russia.
Despite these accusations, Minister Mogherini spoke strongly on the Russian issue in a recent interview with an Italian publication, saying that Vladimir Putin was incapable of respecting agreements with Europe, and that Putin had chosen the path of “military aggression and provocations” over cooperation with Russia’s neighbors. She has also made public statements this week urging NATO to ensure it is prepared to fulfill its mutual defense obligations if Russia threatens NATO members.
Minister Mogherini has also spoken on the subject of EU enlargement, stating that bringing new members into the union is “not just our interest, but our duty.”
Minister Mogherini will face hearings in the European Parliament before taking up her post on November 1.
