European press laments 'dull' president choice

(PARIS) - European newspapers were dismayed Friday by the European Union's choices for its first president and foreign policy boss, lamenting that they lacked the star power required for the high-profile jobs.

Newspapers warned the new president, Belgian Premier Herman Van Rompuy, and foreign policy chief, Trade Commissioner Catherine Ashton, do not carry the weight needed to compete on the world stage with the United States and China.

"Herman Who?" said Sweden's Dagens Nyheter newspaper in an editorial.

"This means that the EU will again have an unknown figure whom few Europeans can identify with," it said, adding that the "situation would have been different" had EU leaders picked former British prime minister Tony Blair.

Spain's El Pais newspaper said the EU will be "led by two dull and low-profile figures."

Germany's Frankfurter Rundschau said the 27-nation bloc will be represented by "leaders with no sparkle, without a vision and even without experience in the required fields."

France's Liberation newspaper noted that EU leaders had rejected candidates from the bloc's newest members in eastern Europe but had at least chosen a woman to fill one of the posts.

"While they did not name a representative from the 'New Europe', the 27 were at least able to name a woman, but not the most brilliant one," the daily wrote.

London's Financial Times said the appointments "dismayed those who wanted to give Europe more clout on the world stage."

"More likely the US president and Chinese premier will continue to work with Europe primarily through bilateral talks with Berlin, London, and Paris," it said.

The Guardian agreed, saying the choices dashed "any hope of Europe forcing the planet to pay it fresh attention."

"The continent last night took a step away from the top table, missing a valuable chance to halt the slide towards a G2 world, dominated by the twin poles of Washington and Beijing," it said.

"Nonetheless, the EU will continue to matter, even as (Chinese) President Hu (Jintao) sits down with President Who?"

The Belgian press, however, expressed pride over Van Rompuy's appointment.

"The Coronation," wrote Le Soir newspaper, while a headline on De Standaard blared: "A New Star for Europe."