Incoming EU president Van Rompuy visits Denmark

Copenhagen - Herman Van Rompuy, recently appointed to become permanent President of the European Council, on Monday paid a brief visit to Denmark. Van Rompuy met with Prime Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen for informal talks ranging from the UN climate change summit that opens next week in Copenhagen to Denmark's views on the European Union.

The Lisbon Treaty that created the new post of full-time president of the European Council enters into force Tuesday.

European Union leaders appointed Van Rompuy at a special summit on November 19, but he is not due to assume office until January.