BRUSSELS -- Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak has not yet opened the way to faster and deeper reforms, said EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton on Thursday.  

"The demands and expectations of the Egyptian people must be met. It is for them to judge whether the steps announced by President Mubarak fulfill their expectations and aspirations," Ashton said, "President Mubarak has not yet opened the way to faster and deeper reforms."  

Related readings:  Egypt unrest reminds investors of geopolitical risks  China supports Egypt's efforts to keep stability  King warned Obama Saudi could fund Egypt  Obama urges 'immediate, orderly' transition in Egypt

Ashton made the remarks following a speech by Mubarak indicating that he wouldn't step down and part of his power would go to Vice-President Omar Suleiman.  

Ashton said that the European Union would pay close attention to the response by the Egyptian people in the coming hours and days. The EU saluted the courage of the Egyptian people who have pursued their campaign for democratic change peacefully and with dignity, Ashton said.

"Violence can never be accepted," she said, stressing that " peaceful but real and lasting transformation delivering deep democracy is what is now required. "

" I urge the Egyptian authorities and the army to protect the peaceful demonstrators and act with calm and restraint," said Ashton. She also called for free and fair elections to be held and a swift lifting of the state of emergency in the country.