03/03/2008 (Agence Europe) - The governing board will appoint the first Director of the new Vienna-based European Fundamental Rights Agency, which became operational on 1 March 2008. Dane Morten Kjaerum, who is currently head of the Danish Institute for Human Rights, is expected to be appointed to the post, especially as he has the backing of the Council of the EU and the European Parliament (see EUROPE 9612 and 9603). The director's term of office lasts five years and may be extended once, for a period of not more than three years, by the governing board. The agency will provide the Community and member states with assistance and skills in fundamental rights to help them comply fully when, in their respective areas of responsibility, they take measures or actions. (B.C.)