EU foreign policy chief hits back at criticism of her appointment

By Martin Banks - 2nd December 2009

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Baroness Catherine Ashton has defended her appointment as the EU´s new foreign policy supremo.

Speaking in parliament on Wednesday, Ashton hit back at scathing criticism by British Tory MEP Charles Tannock, a member of the European Conservative and Reformist group.

He asked her, "The ECR group would like to know why you should occupy this position when there are clearly others who are better qualified for it."

Ashton hit back, saying she brought to the job "28 years experience in negotiation, building consensus and in advocacy.

"I realise there has been much speculation over my appointment and whether I possess the relevant experience.

"But I would point to my experience as a justice minister in the UK, my leadership in the House of Lords and, of most relevance, by time as EU trade commissioner.

"This shows, I believe, that I do have the necessary qualities for this job."

The heated exchange with Tannock came during a meeting of the foreign affairs committee which Ashton had been invited to address on only her second day in office.

After being given a muted reception by MEPs after an opening, 10-minute address, the Briton fielded several questions relating to her suitability for the post and what "added value" she would bring to what, after the presidency, is seen as the second most important job in the EU.

Spanish centre-right deputy José Ignacio Salafranca reminded Ashton that some had responded to her appointment by saying that it was "unlikely to stop the traffic in Washington or Tokyo."

But he added that "we do not want someone who is going to stop the traffic but, rather, produce an efficient common foreign and security policy."

Belgian Liberal MEP Annemie Neyts-Uytterbroeck said it was likely that the commission and EU rotating presidencies would "continue to cling" to their powers and asked her how she would avoid "turf wars" breaking out between the EU institutions.

Ashton was also asked how she would avoid being a mere "extended arm of the British government."

In response, Ashton said it was not her intention to "stop the traffic" but, rather, to provide a "quiet voice" for the EU, "what is stands for and how it can play its part in making things work better."

She said she had "no doubts" in her ability to work closely with other EU institutions "while being clear about my role."

She also denied she would be an "extension" of UK foreign policy, saying, "I have been appointed by the leaders of 27 member states and will faithfully reflect the EU as I did as trade commissioner."

Praising outgoing EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana and its external relations commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner, she promised "continuity" in EU foreign policy and to "respect" the views of member states.

She added, "I also want to review and bring together the work we do across the globe and show the added value of the new diplomatic service."

She described her appearance in parliament as a "great moment for me", saying she wanted to "work closely" with the assembly.

Ashton again expressed "surprise" at her appointment but promised that she would bring "quiet diplomacy" to the role.

"It is all about building confidences," she said, adding that she would be someone who "works behind the scenes" as well as in the "glare of the (media) spotlight."

Ashton, who addressed the meeting for two hours, was later due to fly to Madrid for meetings with the Spanish PM and president.

She will appear before the same committee in mid-January at a confirmation hearing.