The tasks ahead for the new European President are not likely to be easy

The two posts were created under the Lisbon Treaty - which aims to streamline EU institutions and structures. After years of negotiations, it finally comes into effect on the 1st of December after the last EU member, the Czech Republic, ratififed it earlier this month. Experts agree that the new EU president should be a technocrat who can build consensus within the EU's three main institutions - the Council of Nations for the 27 member states, the European Commission and the European Parliament. The task ahead is not likely to be easy.