Former Polish prime minister Donald Tusk took over the presidency of the European Council on Monday, succeeding Belgium’s Herman Van Rompuy.<br /><br />The 57-year-old takes up the role at a challenging time for the European Union, which faces numerous economic and geopolitical challenges.<br /><br />Tusk, who has built up good relationships with Germany’s Angela Merkel and British Prime Minister David Cameron, said he will make boosting Europe’s sluggish growth a key priority during his tenure.<br /><br />He will have to coordinate between all EU governments over the next five years, but also represent the bloc abroad at major international events.<br /><br />The football-loving historian served as his country’s premier for nearly seven years, resigning in September.
