Europe reaction to Obama´s inauguration

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Barack Obama swears in as the 44th president of the  United States of America in front of the U.S. Capitol in  Washington D.C. Jan. 20, 2009. (Xinhua/Zhang Yan)

Silvio Berlusconi, Italian prime minister, said, "Many hopes and expectations have been piled on him, not just by the American people but also the rest of the world. The thing to do is to send him the most affectionate and cordial wishes so that he can fulfill these expectations."

But analysts across Europe were mixed about the start of a new era in US politics. Some have concerns about whether he will be able to fulfill his campaign promises faced with such a complicated international situation.

Alex Poniatowski, Chairman, foreign affairs at French parliament, said, "I think the main topic we are expecting from the  new administration is to have probably a major change of attitude. Attitude toward its allies, attitude also towards his enemies. Barrack Obama has said that he would discuss with his enemy I think that this is the right approach to have."