Bush appoints Gray as EU special envoy

WASHINGTON, Jan. 11 (UPI) -- U.S. President George Bush tapped diplomat C. Boyden Gray as special envoy for European Union affairs, the White House said Friday.

Grey was the U.S. ambassador to the European Union from January 2006 until his appointment expired Dec. 31, White House press secretary Dana Perino said.

So the United States "may continue to benefit from his experience and expertise," Bush asked Gray to serve in the new role, Perino said.

As special envoy, Gray will focus on a number of issues and special projects, including strengthening the Transatlantic Economic Council, promoting understanding of Bush's climate change policies and working on selected energy security issues.