Catherine Ashton

Geneva Nuclear Talks Iran Bets on Easing of Sanctions

The next round of talks on Iran's nuclear program kicks off Tuesday in Geneva. But unless Tehran offers up credible concessions, the recent trickle of goodwill could quickly run dry. Von Matthias Gebauer und Gregor Peter Schmitz

Iran Bets on Easing of Sanctions - REUTERS

Iran Nuclear Talks Europe's Unsung Chief Diplomat

The European Union's foreign policy apparatus is often written off as trivial. But its leader, Catherine Ashton, is the one whose tenacious diplomacy has brought the West and Iran back to the table to negotiate Tehran's nuclear program and related sanctions. Von Gregor Peter Schmitz und Christoph Schult

Europe's Unsung Chief Diplomat - REUTERS

Wahlen in Simbabwe Weltweite Zweifel an Mugabes Sieg

Simbabwes umstrittener Präsident Robert Mugabe will einen überwältigenden Wahlsieg errungen haben. Daran zweifeln nicht nur seine politischen Gegner. Auch die USA, die EU und die Vereinten Nationen fordern eine genaue Untersuchung.

Anger in Israel EU Issues Disputed Settlement Guidelines

Israel has been protesting all week, but to no avail. On Friday, the EU issued new guidelines prohibiting bloc money from going to Israeli institutions operating in the settlements. President Peres warned the measure could "cause a crisis."

EU Issues Disputed Settlement Guidelines - Getty Images

Uniquely Poor Management Report Skewers Top EU Diplomat Ashton

Catherine Ashton, Europe's top diplomat, has failed to provide the clout her office requires, a report by the European Parliament has concluded. Her successors are already jockeying for a position in the race to snag the EU's most important foreign policy post. Von Christoph Schult

Report Skewers Top EU Diplomat Ashton - DPA

EU Foreign Affairs Chief 'Out of Her Depth' Doubts Increase about Catherine Ashton's Ability

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.

Doubts Increase about Catherine Ashton's Ability - REUTERS

European Union Foreign Policy Walking the Thin Line with Catherine Ashton

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. Von Walter Mayr

Walking the Thin Line with Catherine Ashton - AP

The EU's Foreign Service Apparatus Berlin Concerned about British Dominance

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. Von Matthias Gebauer und Carsten Volkery

Berlin Concerned about British Dominance - AFP

Europe's Safe Choice The Technocrats at the Top of the EU

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. Von Hans Hoyng und Hans-Jürgen Schlamp

The Technocrats at the Top of the EU - AP

Europe's New Leadership 'Who' for President, 'I Don't Know' for Foreign Minister

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. Von Carsten Volkery

'Who' for President, 'I Don't Know' for Foreign Minister - dpa

New EU President and Foreign Minister Europe Chooses Nobodies

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. Von Carsten Volkery