Ashton tells UN of ‘special development’ in history of European Union

European Union High Representative Catherine Ashton on Tuesday told the United Nations Security Council in New York of a ‘special development’ in the history of the European Union. As she addressed the UNSC for the first time as the EU’s foreign policy chief, Ashton told representatives of the rest of the world about the Lisbon Treaty, which “offers the opportunity to strengthen the EU’s international impact and strategic vision, through streamlined decision-making and greater policy coherence and consistency.” From the shotlist provided by EbS: “Given the UN’s mandate in the area of peace and security and given the expansion of EU external action in recent years, it is logical that we have built a growing partnership in peace and security – which has complemented our long standing co-operation in development and humanitarian assistance.” 00:01:11 Cutaways (2 shots) 00:01:20 SOUNDBITE (English) Catherine Ashton: “I am speaking at the Security Council, Mr. President, at a special moment in the development of the European Union. The Lisbon Treaty is now in force. This is a historic step which matters to Europeans and to non-Europeans alike. The Lisbon Treaty offers the opportunity to strengthen the EU’s international impact and strategic vision, through streamlined decision-making and greater policy coherence and consistency. Work is advancing on the creation of the European External Action Service, which will operate under my authority. It will integrate diplomats from the …