Such was the verdict on the hearing of Catherine Ashton, nominated by the Member States as High Representative for Foreign Affairs. MEPs had three hours to examine her mastery of international politics through questions on anything from nuclear disarmamen

Baroness Ashton - Not always convincing, but never caught out

https://api.multimedia.europarl.europa.eu/documents/20125/15125600/N001-100111-001-EN.srt

Catherine Ashton isn’t saying a word   before her hearing before the EP.

Focused, she’s kept her answers   for MEPs

who have fired a barrage   of questions at her

before approving her as   High Representative for Foreign Affairs.

MEPs had three hours to grill   Baroness Ashton.

Questions on international politics   dominated the interview.

In your opinion, what role should   the European Union

and the Union for the Mediterranean play

in finding a solution   for the Middle East crisis?

In your opinion how will the goals   of the war in Afghanistan be achieved?

Some MEPs spotlighted   Catherine Ashton’s militant past.

Do you still support   unilateral nuclear disarmament?

A simple yes or no will suffice?   And if no, when

Never caught out, but not always   convincing, the head of EU diplomacy

defined the major policies   of the EU’s foreign policy.

Stronger and more credible European role   in a fast-changing world.

Big power shifts are taking place.   New crises are popping up every day.

We have to ensure   our response keeps up.

I say we deliberately as this is very   much a collective European responsibility.

If she is approved, Ms Ashton   will have to present a road map

on the creation of a new   European diplomatic service as of April.