Bulgaria May Be 1st State Visited by New EU President Van Rompuy

Bulgaria might become the first EU state outside of Belgium to be formally visited by the newly-elected first EU President, Herman Van Rompuy.

This was announced by Bulgaria’s Prime Minister, Boyko BOrisov, shortly after the 27 EU leaders pick Van Rompuy as the first President of the Union under the Lisbon Treaty, the Bulgarian National Radio reported.

Before becoming EU President, Van Rompuy had planned a formal visit to Bulgaria on December 14, 2009, in his capacity as Belgian Prime Minister.

Borisov congratulated Van Rompuy immediately after his election, and was told by the new EU President that he would do his best to make the planned visit to Bulgaria unless the responsibilities of his new position prevent him from that.

PM Borisov has stated that the election of both Van Rompuy, and of first EU High Representative on Foreign Affairs Catherine Ashton was good for Bulgaria, and for the European Union.

He has welcomed the fact that the Lisbon Treaty was finally coming to life.

Borisov said that he knew High Representative Ashton from her time as a Minister in the UK government, and that he had good relations with her.