Spain signals ambitious EU presidency, at the risk of friction

"The presidency is an important domestic issue for the (Spanish) government," said Hugo Brady, an analyst for the London-based Centre for European Reform. ..."I respect Spain for their audacity, they're saying the current system of the Lisbon strategy is not working and they're right," said Brady. "But the reality of politics is that certain large (EU) member-states will never accept a binding system or sanctions regarding economic policy. It's not doable politically." "There is a political fight for primacy" between Van Rompuy and the rotating presidency, said Brady. "On the one hand you have one guy, without a big staff, without executive power (Van Rompuy) and on the other side you have a prime minister of a country who will not give power away."