Azerbaijan, Baku, Nov. 26 / Trend News E. Ostapenko /

Solving conflicts in neighboring EU countries is a major issue for the cabinet of the first EU foreign minister. However, whether it is a priority for the EU will become clear only in several months, European Policy Center Director of Studies Antonio Missiroli told Trend News today.

"If there are events in the region - positive or negative - and we require a quick reaction, Mrs. [Catherine] Ashton will devote her attention," he told Trend News over the phone. "But right now there is no mission statement or policy declaration that has clarified priorities."

European leaders elected British Catherine Ashton first foreign minister last week. Belgian Prime Minister Herman Van Rompuy was elected EU president. Both positions are provided by the Lisbon Treaty to enter into force on December 1.

Earlier Baroness Ashton held the post of European commissioner for trade. In her current post as high representative for common foreign and security policy, she will combine the existing powers of High Representative Javier Solana and European Commissioner for External Relations and Neighborhood Policy Benita Ferrero-Waldner, and will also receive new authority. The head of European diplomacy will join the European Commission in the post of Deputy Chairman.

For several weeks, Ashton will shape her staff and forge a structure that will allow her to operate as she will play a new role established by the Lisbon Treaty. The staff, structures and appointees have to be appointed and this will take some time, Missiroli said.

"Mrs. Ashton will need to create a staff that can support her work effectively and compensate a bit for her lack of diplomatic experience," he said.

She will also have to start traveling and introducing herself to major world players, Missiroli said, adding that for a few months she will be wholly absorbed by internal issues.

The first EU foreign minister's policy priorities will become clear only after she forms her cabinet and makes an official speech, the expert said. As an example, he cited the new U.S administration and how President Barack Obama has defined his policy priorities since running for the post.

"When Obama was elected president we all knew what his campaign had been like, but then we had to wait a few months before understanding what his priorities would be like," Missiroli said.

Obama made his first speech when he was inaugurated, he added. However, he started making speeches better articulating his position later when his staff was fully in place.

"So we will have to wait," Missiroli said.

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