Niederländischer Ministerpräsident beäugt Position des EU-Präsidenten[en][fr] 

The Treaty of Lisbon, should it come into force, introduces the new 'top job' of a high-profile president who will chair EU summit meetings for a two-and-a-half year term (for more details, see EurActiv LinksDossier on 'Choosing Mr(s). Europe'). 

Speculation has been rife as to who the leading candidates might be, with names such as Tony Blair, Jean-Claude Juncker and Guy Verhofstadt being mentioned repeatedly. 

However, the wording of the Lisbon Treaty is vague when describing the president's duties. Though on paper little more than a chairperson, certain EU experts argue that a high-profile personality could mould the position into the global "face" of the EU. 

A leading Dutch source in Brussels told EurActiv that Balkenende "definitely wants the job," adding that "the rumour is being fed from The Hague".

Balkenende, the Christian Democrat leader of the Netherlands since 2002, has issued repeated public denials of his interest in the new EU 'top job', which will be created should the Lisbon Treaty's ratification be finalised in Ireland, Poland and Czech Republic. When questioned recently on the issue in the Dutch parliament, he described the growing speculation as "nonsense". 

However, when put on the spot by the opposition, he refused to give categorical assurances that he would finish his term as prime minister, fuelling further rumour-mongering in both The Hague and Brussels.

Furthermore, the source, who did not wish to be named, believes that Balkenende will have a high-profile backer in re-elected German Chancellor Angela Merkel. 

"Angela Merkel is very close to the Dutch PM," he argued, adding that "personally and politically, they see eye to eye and they're both the same style of no-nonsense, low-key politicians". 

As a result, Merkel could push the Dutch PM as a viable "compromise candidate" and an alternative to a world figure such as Tony Blair. Balkenende's strength lies in the fact that, unlike his predecessors, he has not had a major political showdown to sour relations with either France or Germany, said the source.

Merkel has been very careful to not make any public pronouncements on the issue until the German elections (EurActiv 28/09/09) and the Irish Lisbon Treaty referendum on 2 October are over. 

Adding fuel to the fire, another political expert in the Netherlands told EurActiv that the Dutch Permanent Representation to the EU has been requested to lobby for Balkenende's candidacy, but "in a very subtle manner". 

Should Lisbon be approved in Ireland, thus all but assuring EU-wide ratification before the end of 2009, Balkenende would need to move fast to confirm his interest in the job and set about winning over public opinion in the Netherlands. 

According to the Brussels source, "it's all about how Balkenende plays the PR game. If he is offered the job, he will sell it as a call to higher duty that will increase Dutch influence in Europe". 

However, "he doesn't want to be perceived as leaving at a time when the public wants a steady hand on the tiller," particularly given the threat of the resurgent Dutch far-right to the country's mainstream parties. 

On 5 November, Balkenende will give what is being billed as an important Europe-themed oration on the occasion of the 20th anniversary commemorations of the fall of the Berlin Wall. 

"If Balkenende does indeed pursue a candidacy more openly, this could be the ideal platform at which to present his credentials," the Dutch source said.