Juncker takes on Blair for EU presidency

Article reports that Jean-Claude Juncker, Luxembourg’s Prime Minister intimated in a newspaper interview October 2009 that he would be prepared to be considered for the new President of the European Council post.

Mr Juncker’s declaration crystallised the issue that had so far defined the contest – whether the EU wants someone like Tony Blair, an instantly recognisable personality with global connections at the highest level but a controversial image in Europe, or a lower-profile politician judged to possess stronger European credentials but probably coming from a smaller EU nation.

BBC News, 28.10.09: German party cool on Blair for EU http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/8329554.stm

Spiegel Online International, 28.10.09: 'Dwarf' Attack Threatens Blair's EU Dreams http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/0,1518,657861,00.html

ESO: Background information: Europe does not need a big shot http://www.europeansources.info/record/europe-does-not-need-a-big-shot/

EurActiv, 28.10.09: Blair and Juncker emerge as rivals at EU summit http://www.euractiv.com/en/future-eu/blair-juncker-emerge-rivals-eu-summit/article-186829

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