Herman Van Rompuy is a Belgian politician who served as the first permanent President of the European Council from 2009 to 2014. He was a member of the Christian Democratic and Flemish party and previously held the position of Prime Minister of Belgium from 2008 to 2009. His leadership was marked by efforts to strengthen European integration during a time of economic crisis. Van Rompuy played a significant role in shaping the European Union's policies and fostering cooperation among member states. He is known for his diplomatic skills and ability to mediate discussions on complex issues, contributing to the stability and unity of Europe during his tenure.