EU's first president kicks off European tour in Slovenia
(LJUBLJANA) - The EU's first President Herman Van Rompuy visited Ljubljana on Tuesday, beginning a European tour aimed at establishing closer relations with the leaders of the bloc's member states.
"My key words will be continuity and coherence," Van Rompuy told journalists after officially taking office as the new EU president on Tuesday.
In a declaration he read to journalists, he said he would not make any political statements until the end of the current Swedish presidency of the EU on December 31.
But he added he would then carry out his work "with determination, enthusiasm to ensure that the European Council delivers added value and leadership for Europe."
Van Rompuy met in Ljubljana with Slovenia's Prime Minister Borut Pahor, President Danilo Turk and parliamentary speaker Pavel Gantar.
He was then to travel on to Milan and Lisbon on Tuesday, for dinner celebrations to mark the Lisbon Treaty's entry into force.
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