Search: EU president Mandelson
Lord Mandelson has called for new leadership in Europe to give the EU a key role in the world.
As EU leaders prepare to pick an all-powerful president under the Lisbon Treaty, Lord Mandelson avoided naming any particular favourite "personality" he had in mind.
But, asked before Friday's speech in Brussels whether Tony Blair was the figure to offer Europe leadership, the trade secretary said the former prime minister's track record spoke for itself.
"He reformed the Labour Party and built up the case for New Labour. I saw him do the same in Northern Ireland," said Lord Mandelson, adding: "That is not an advertisement for his candidacy - he can and will argue for himself if he wants this role".
The trade secretary said personalities as well as policies would make the difference between a "meaningful" union on the international stage or one with just a "walk-on role".
And his speech to the Bruegel think-tank emphasises that establishing the EU's global brand does not come down to one individual.
Mr Blair's chances have dwindled as many EU leaders press for a more low-key political figure in the job - such as the current Belgian or Luxembourg prime ministers.
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If Mr Blair is out of the running, that clears the way for Foreign Secretary David Miliband to fill the other new EU role - High Representative for Foreign Affairs. Mr Miliband is a favourite in other EU capitals and is under pressure to offer himself for the post, but he says he is "not available" and is proud to serve in Gordon Brown's cabinet.
Lord Mandelson commented: I believe David Miliband will be playing a full, effective and meaningful role in Europe ... as British foreign secretary. I have seen absolutely no sign in anything he has said or done to indicate that he wants another job. Indeed, I detect quite the opposite."
Meanwhile, in Friday's speech, called A Different Europe for a Different Economic Era, Lord Mandelson says the EU is facing a what-kind-of-Europe-do-we-want? moment. Speaking less than 48 hours after David Cameron clearly set out what kind of Europe the Tories want, Lord Mandelson said a totally re-ordered global economy was on the way, requiring serious new thinking in Europe.
