But during a recent visit to Marseille , EU external affairs commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner argued the partnership offered new chances for cooperating in areas like environmental protection , renewable energy and infrastructure programs .
Austria \'s Benita Ferrero-Waldner , 60 , the European Union commissioner for foreign affairs and a former Austrian foreign minister is a notable entrant .
The paper , which was presented yesterday by Peter Mandelson , EU trade commissioner , and Benita Ferrero-Waldner , EU external relations commissioner , is intended to form the basis for a new , extended partnership and co-operation agreement between Beijing and the EU .