Ashton questioned
January 11, 2010
Catherine Ashton, the 53-year-old former European Union trade commissioner and leader of Britain's House of Lords, was expected to face intensive questioning at the European Commission confirmation hearings, which began in Brussels on Monday.
Ashton was nominated for the post of high representative for foreign affairs and security policy by EU heads of state at a summit last November, but must still be confirmed by Parliament.
A surprise pick
Although Ashton has long been regarded as an industry expert, her nomination for the newly-created post of EU foreign affairs minister came as a surprise. The native of Lancashire, England, has served only one year as EU trade commissioner and has no other foreign policy experience.
Even in her native Britain, Ashton is virtually unknown, having never been elected to public office. Her past work experience includes posts in a provincial health authority, as well as positions in a number of government departments, including the Education and Justice Ministries.
In 1999, the Labour government of then-Prime Minister Tony Blair awarded Ashton the title of “baroness,” so that she could represent the party in the House of Lords. In 2007, current Prime Minister Gordon Brown appointed her leader of the House of Lords. However, Ashton's big break came in 2008, when the post of EU Trade Commissioner became free and Ashton became the first woman to hold the office.
Hard questions
During Monday's confirmation hearing, Ashton is expected to have to defend herself against accusations of inadequate diplomatic experience. Also likely to come up during questioning: Ashton's past involvement with Britain's anti-nuclear group ,the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND). During the initial round of questioning in November, the nominee for foreign affairs chief was challenged to deny taking funds from the Soviet Union during her days as treasurer for the CND over 25 years ago.
All or nothing
Ashton will be among the first of 26 new appointees to go through the confirmation process in the European Parliament. The hearings are scheduled to end on January 19, with the Parliament's final vote of confidence on the new commission to take place January 26 in Brussels. Although parliamentarians cannot vote to approve or deny individual appointees, they can vote to reject the commission as a whole. If approved, the new team is expected to begin its five-year term on February 1.
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Editor: Chuck Penfold