So Long, Sarko: New Leader, Wrong Time

Brussels is going to miss the French. During France's six-month stint at the helm of the European Union, President Nicolas Sarkozy managed to shift global perception of the EU from that of a slow bureaucracy to a major player on the world stage. Under Sarkozy, the Union agreed to climate-change measures, brokered a ceasefire in Georgia and coaxed Ireland into taking a second look at the Lisbon Treaty. At last, the EU was seen to be "proactive, constructive and effective," says Antonio Missiroli of the Brussels-based European Policy Centre.

That's all set to change in January, when the Czech Republic takes over the rotating presidency. Like the Irish, the Czechs have so far failed to ratify the Lisbon Treaty, and President Václav Klaus has even refused to fly the EU flag above Prague Castle, his official seat. Experts expect few "incredible initiatives" under Czech leadership, at a moment when Europe needs to maintain its fragile unity in the face of an economic crisis. In short, a bad moment to lose that Gallic verve at the top.

© 2009