Brussels, 26/10/2010 (Agence Europe) - It should be possible to appoint the new chief executive of the European Defence Agency (EDA) on 9 December, when EU defence ministers meet formally. EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton is due to begin initial interviews with candidates this Thursday 28 October and present the candidate designate at the meeting of the EDA Steering Board on the same day as the defence ministers' meeting. Several names are being mentioned, and the initial shortlist has been revised. There is still talk of a Finnish candidate (Arto Koski), an Italian candidate (Carlo Magrassi) and three candidates put forward by France (General Patrick de Rousiers, General Engineer of the Armament Bruno Berthet and Hélène Duchaine). To these can be added the internal candidates, such as Claude-France Arnould, who has Ashton's backing. Two deputy chief executives will appointed at a later date. At the moment, Warsaw is calling for the term of office of Pole Adam Sowa, currently EDA Deputy Chief Executive Operations. Madrid is also hoping that one of the deputy chief executive posts will go to a Spaniard. (A.By./transl.rt)