SPIEGEL ONLINE
- April 19, 2010
Members of the European Parliament are becoming increasing critical of Catherine Ashton, the EU's high representative for foreign affairs. Ashton is incapable of setting up the EU's new diplomatic service, they argue. more...
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- March 08, 2010
The EU's new top diplomat Catherine Ashton has only been in office for 100 days, but she is already running into stiff criticism. Her detractors claim she doesn't have enough dedication, stature or independence. But the EU's leaders chose her precisely because she lacked those qualities. By Walter Mayr more...
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- March 02, 2010
The European Union's new diplomatic service is still months from completion. But already, Germany is worried that the bloc's new foreign policy chief, Catherine Ashton, is handing over too many top slots to Britons. By Matthias Gebauer and Carsten Volkery more...
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- November 23, 2009
Europe's leaders have chosen two competent but dull technocrats to be the EU's first president and foreign minister. The uninspired choice shows the determination of national leaders to hold on to power -- and the limits of what is currently possible within the bloc. By Hans Hoyng and Hans-Jürgen Schlamp more...
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- November 20, 2009
The appointment of Herman Van Rompuy and Catherine Ashton to the European Union's top spots has many scratching their heads. The two are relatively unknown, but expectations are so low, they can only exceed them. By Carsten Volkery more...
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- November 20, 2009
Europe's leaders are relieved that the wrangling over the EU's new positions of president and foreign minister is finally over. But they have no reason to be proud. Once again, the EU has missed an opportunity to boost its standing on the global stage. By Carsten Volkery in Brussels more...
