Catherine Ashton, the EU's recently-appointed foreign policy chief, will be able to trim her busy work schedule and counter criticism of her lack of visibility thanks to the assistance of three EU commissioners, who will act as her deputies.

Štefan Füle, the Czech commissioner for enlargement, Andris Piebalgs, his Latvian colleague responsible for development, and Kristalina Georgieva, the Bulgarian commissioner for humanitarian aid, will all assist Ashton, a Commission official said.

Catherine Ashton has endured attacks from several quarters, including French ministers, for not flying the EU flag at hotspots such as earthquake-hit Haiti or being unable to attend European gatherings.