EU leaders went into a summit today struggling to agree a package of top jobs as the deepening crisis in Ukraine put the spotlight on who will lead its high-profile foreign affairs arm.
Originally set to start at 1600 GMT, the summit was put back to 1800 GMT as early efforts to work out a deal faltered. "We need more consultations," one diplomat said.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel played down expectations any decisions would be made at all.
"It is very possible that there will only be an initial discussion. I don't think we will get there today but we will see," said Merkel, a key voice, as she arrived for the talks.
Looming over the meeting is the crisis in Ukraine which makes the choice of a successor to Britain's Catherine Ashton as head of the European External Action Service even more sensitive.
Washington is pressing its EU allies to toughen sanctions against Moscow but the European Union is divided.
Some members such as Italy and Germany are fearful significant economic ties with Russia could suffer if relations break down completely.
New measures could include freezing programmes in Russia run by the EU's European Investment Bank and the London-based European Bank of Reconstruction and Development, the statement said.
British Premier David Cameron arrived saying the situation in the Ukraine "is unacceptable ... We need to send a very clear message with clear actions" to Moscow.
Diplomats say it is time for an east European country to be given a prominent post.
The summit is also expected to discuss options for the European Council, which represents the bloc's 28 political leaders and sets overall policy direction.
It may also recommend naming a permanent head of the Eurogroup of finance ministers which coordinates policy on the single currency.
