This happened in view of Ms. Ashton's expected unveiling later this month of her choice of strategy for implementation of this new body created by the Lisbon Treaty, which aims at bolstering the Union's coherency and efficiency in Foreign Affairs.

During the exchange of views, Ms. Ashton said key priorities for the EEAS would be: the ability to plan and conduct military operations; the ability to develop civilian co-ordination in a more structured way; and the ability to establish links with other key organisations, such as NATO and the UN.

Getting Europe's voice in foreign affairs right is important for liberals. Therefore; when the ELDR Party is convening in Rome, Italy tomorrow for its annual Spring Council meeting, one of the major items on the political agenda will be precisely the EEAS with a resolution stating ELDR's position on the Service set to be debated by the participants. The ELDR Spring Council meeting brings together representatives of our 56 member parties from across Europe.

For follow-up on the debate and resolution, keep an eye on the ELDR website in the beginning of next week.