Herman Van Rompuy, who was named as the first president of the European Council to general surprise four months ago, still describes himself as a "grey mouse". But the unassuming and self-deprecating Belgian is perhaps the one senior EU figure who has emerged from the tussle over how to help Greece with his reputation enhanced. Mr Van Rompuy, who represents the leaders of the 27 EU member states, acquired new responsibilities at the summit in Brussels giving the permanent presidency greater authority in the EU's complex institutional hierarchy.
It will be Mr van Rompuy and not the European Commission, the EU's policy-making body, that will lead a review of the EU's fiscal rules and make proposals for strengthening economic policy co-ordination. Mr Van Rompuy also slotted into the role of chairman of the 16 eurozone leaders, even though it is not formally his job.
Asked whether he had staged a power grab, Mr Van Rompuy replied disarmingly: "From grey mouse to putschist. That was quick."
For more: FT.com / UK - Van Rompuy emerges with his reputation enhanced
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