On December 1, 2009, Baroness Catherine Ashton of Upholland was appointed to become the first EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, taking over a number of responsibilities from Javier Solana but adding in an important new institutional role. In her new position Catherine Ashton faces high expectations and what appears as an "impossible job description." This briefing paper will review the tasks and responsibilities of the EU's new foreign policy chief under the Lisbon Treaty and speculate on Catherine Ashton's ability to succeed in that position.
