European Union leaders today named former Spanish Prime Minister Felipe Gonzalez to head a new "reflection group" to discuss the long-term future of the EU.
One of the favourites for the position was former president of the European Parliament Pat Cox. The failure to select the former Irish MEP was a disappointment to some reformists.
The purpose of the panel of "wise men" to be headed by Mr Gonzalez is to map out the future of the EU between 2020 and 2030.
The group, which will number no more than nine people, is mandated to look at "the stability and prosperity" of the Union and of the wider region, touching on the sensitive issue of EU enlargement.
The panel will also look at issues such as energy, climate change and justice matters. It is due to report its findings to EU leaders in June 2010.
Former Latvian president Vaira Vike-Freiberga and Jorma Ollila, the chairman of mobile phone giant Nokia, were named as the two vice-chairs of the panel.
European Liberal leaders, who did not see the need to form such a group, had backed Mr Cox for the role of chair.
"If you ever wanted to see Jurassic Park in reality, then this appointment is just that," British MEP Graham Watson said. "It's not about age, but all three of the panel so far represent old Europe."
The panel was proposed by French President Nicolas Sarkozy who is among those opposed to Turkey joining the EU, despite the beginning of accession talks.