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.

October 27, 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.

October 2, 2009  The referendum on the Lisbon Treaty approved by Irish voters

Ireland voted by 67 percent  to ratify the Treaty which aims to streamline a number of key EU powers including parliamentary processes, improve efficiency in decision-making, and includes a new Charter of Fundamental Rights.  There are two remaining countries, the Czech Republic and Poland to ratify the treaty. Ratification of the Lisbon Treaty has been welcomed by leaders as a substantial step forward, strengthening EU institutional arrangements as Europe responds to the fundamental economic and regulatory challenges posed by the financial and economic crisis.

September 17, 2009 Brendan Nelson to represent Australia in Brussels

The EABC welcomes the appointment of the Honourable Dr Brendan Nelson to the role of ambassador to the European Union, Belgium, Luxembourg, and NATO as well as the special representative to the World Health Organisation. 

EABC President, Alastair Walton said that the appointment of such a high calibre individual to this post shows that the Australian government is coming to terms with Brussels as the centre of trade investment and policy creation for Australia and the EU.

“This is a great move for the EABC who is focused on building stronger relationships with key representatives in Brussels as we build out our economic and public policy agenda,” Mr Walton said.

The EABC looks forward to hosting Dr Nelson in the near future.

September 16, 2009 The EABC looks forward to hosting José Manuel Barosso in the New Year

The European Australian Business Council looks forward to hosting José Manuel Barosso during his expected visit to Australia in the New Year.  President Barosso commenced his second term after winning a secret ballot of the European parliament on Wednesday, September 16, 2009.  The vote was 382 in his favour and 219 against, with 117 abstentions. Immediately after the vote, he told MEPs that he would devote his second term to building “a Europe of solidarity and freedom”.

He had previously received unanimous endorsement by all 27 leaders of the European Union.  He is likely to continue to press his agenda over the next five years including commissioner appointments.

The continuation of his leadership will enable the EABC to further solidify its relationship with the EU as it steps up its focus on economic and public policy dialogue with leaders in Brussels.  Brussels continues to be the centre for policy development for the 27 countries of the EU which makes up Australia’s largest trade and investment partner.