Jacek Saryusz-Wolski, Head of the Foreign Committee at the European Parliament, told Polish Radio 3 this morning that Lech Wałęsa would be the best Polish candidate for the “Council of the Wise” appointed at the EU summit at the initiative of French president Nicolas Sarkozy in Brussels on Thursday.

The role of the new body will be to reflect on the future of Europe in the long-term (years 2020 - 2030). 

The ‘Council of the Wise’ will be composed of 9 to 12 representatives from EU Member States.

Poland has not put forward its candidate yet, but intends to do so.

Jacek Saryusz-Wolski told Radio 3 that Lech Wałęsa was by far the best applicant for the Council due to his great experience and respect enjoyed in Western Europe. 

Saryusz-Wolski reminded that the legendary Solidarity leader and former Polish president had given many lectures and taken part in numerous meetings and sessions devoted to the future of the old continent.