President Barroso confirmed his decision to appoint Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner to take over the trade policy portfolio with effect from December 1, 2009.

Commissioner Ferrero-Waldner will serve as Commissioner for Trade until the beginning of the mandate of the next Commission. During this period she will continue to be responsible for the European Neighbourhood Policy and for the operations of Europ Aid – Cooperation Office (Aidco).  

19 November, 2009 Belgium Prime Minister appointed EU’s first President

Leaders of the 27 countries of the European Union unanimously voted on Thursday to appoint Herman van Rompuy, currently the Belgian Prime Minister, as the European Union’s first President. In addition,  Catherine Ashton of Britain, currently the European Commissioner for Trade, was chosen as its High Representative for foreign policy.

These two new jobs are a direct result of the ratification of the Lisbon Treaty, approved by all member states earlier this month.  Baroness Ashton will also act as Vice President of the European Commission, a position which also requires endorsement by the European Parliament. They are expected to take up these new positions on January 1st 2010.

 2009 EABC Board Member Update

This quarter, we welcomed Ms Carla Zampatti, AM to the board of the EABC.  An esteemed business woman and committed promoter of Australian and European relations, Ms Zampatti brings a great deal of knowledge and experience to the board. 

In November, EABC board member Mr Max Moore-Wilton was elected as the new Chairman of the Airports Council International, a global aviation organisation based in Geneva, Switzerland.  Mr Moore-Wilton has been Chairman of Sydney Airport Corporation since April 2006 having been Chief Executive Officer and Executive Chairman since December 2002.

Also in November, another EABC board member Mr Graham  Bradley AM, was elected President of the Business Council of Australia.   Mr Bradley will continue to serve on our board, providing deep insight into the needs of Australian businesses