On Tuesday, April 10, GMF, in partnership with the EU Delegation to the U.S., hosted Baroness Catherine Ashton, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, at GMF’s Washington headquarters. The “Conversation with Catherine Ashton” was moderated by GMF’s Vice President of Programs, Mr. Ivan Vejvoda, and focused on a range of topics including the Arab Spring, the intersection between economics and Foreign Policy, women in conflicts, and Ashton’s own understanding of the concept of “deep democracy.” Discussing the current relations between the European Union and the United States, Baroness Ashton emphasized the importance of the partnership that exists between the EU and the U.S. and how crucial it is for the two to assist the Arab Spring countries on their path towards democracy. She spoke about the importance of establishing deep democracy in the Arab Spring countries and underscored that lasting democracies do not happen immediately after their first democratic elections. She noted that the EU and the U.S. must be patient with the Arab Spring countries, and in particular, Syria, and support them on their democratic path. In addition, Ashton emphasized the importance of supporting the countries of the Western Balkans on their path to the EU while also highlighting the vital role women have played and still play in conflicts. The event was held in partnership with the EU Delegation to the United States as part of their regular EU Rendez-Vous event series