The Record: Europe

25 October edition
Lucy Thomas
Producer

The EU has a new Trade Commissioner.

Catherine Ashton is the first woman to take the role, and Britain's first female EU Commissioner.

But some have been voicing concerns about her lack of experience - including a parliamentary committee which described her performance at a hearing as "adequate".

As turmoil continues in financial markets across the globe, we ask whether she is the right woman for the job.

Catherine Ashton speaks to Shirin Wheeler about her plans, explaining why a bid to re-launch world trade talks will be her top priority.

Four members of the European Parliament with special interest in trade also join the programme to give their verdict:

• Caroline Lucas MEP, British Green and International Trade committee member
• Glenys Kinnock MEP, British Labour and Development committee member
• Robert Sturdy MEP, British Conservative and International Trade committee member
• Ignasi Guardans MEP, Spanish Liberal and International Trade committee member

The Record: Europe examines the key moments in the political week in Brussels and Strasbourg and focuses on the work of the European Parliament and European Commission.

It is broadcast on BBC Parliament on Saturdays at 2300 GMT, Sundays at 1700 GMT and Mondays at 1000 GMT, on BBC World on Saturdays at 1330 GMT and Sundays at 0630 GMT and on the BBC News channel on Sundays at 0530 GMT and Mondays at 0330 GMT.

Presenter profile

Shirin Wheeler

Shirin Wheeler presents the weekly EU politics programme The Record: Europe from Brussels and Strasbourg.

She is based in the BBC's Brussels bureau. She was born in Berlin and educated in Washington DC, Brussels and Britain.

Shirin has been in Brussels since 1996, working mainly with BBC TV and radio.

During her time in Belgium she has also reported for BBC business programmes, local radio and regional TV. She has two daughters.