On 19 November 2009, under the new Treaty of Lisbon,
Herman Van Rompuy was designated the first permanent President of the European Council, a position he takes up on 1 January 2010.

At their informal meeting in Brussels on 19 November, ahead of the entry into
force of the Treaty of Lisbon on 1 December, EU Heads of State or Government
agreed on the election of Mr Herman VAN ROMPUY as the elect President.

What are his duties? Read more