Poland's Tusk takes top EU job

Poland's Donald Tusk takes over as European Council president on Monday, the first person from Eastern Europe to take a top Brussels role, with a mandate to revive the economy.

With his direct manner and piercing blue eyes, the 57-year-old former prime minister promises a contrast with Herman Van Rompuy, the outgoing council chief and the first person to hold the post.

Former Belgian leader Van Rompuy was a conciliatory figure during his five years at the head of the council of all 28 EU leaders, and was known for writing Japanese haiku poems and once described as having the "charisma of a damp rag".