Increasingly vocal criticism of Kaja Kallas, the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Policy, has highlighted structural shortcomings and tensions within the European Union.
Kallas has found herself at the center of political debate after the publication of an unofficial document, which is related to the French government and presents some ideas for a profound transformation of her function.
According to Euronews , the document proposes three options: strengthening its powers by extending them to trade and economic development, or two options that would significantly weaken its role by transferring powers to the European Commission, led by Ursula von der Leyen, or to EU member states.
In response to criticism and media reports, Kallas has stressed that any changes must be based on the EU treaties.
In an internal email to her staff, she stated that the role and responsibilities of European institutions are clearly defined in the treaties and that this framework cannot be easily changed.
Criticisms against her
The French document comes at a time of growing discontent with Kallas. She has been criticized for her statements on China, her insistence that frozen Russian assets be used to support Ukraine, her strained relations with the US administration, and for presenting ambitious plans without sufficient consultation with member states.
Her critics claim that she often acts more like the prime minister of Estonia – a post she previously held – than as a neutral representative of the 27 member states. Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico has even called for her dismissal several times.
Various European diplomats, speaking anonymously, have confirmed the growth of resistance to it in recent weeks, although they have not supported the French document.
“Mission Impossible”
According to them, the main problem lies not only with Kallas, but with the complex institutional structure of the EU, where the High Representative is located between the European Commission and the European External Action Service (EEAS), which she heads.
Another problem is that EU foreign policy decision-making requires unanimity among member states. This means that a single veto can block any decision, significantly limiting the effectiveness of its role.
Diplomats emphasize that the current structure was created in another period and no longer responds to global political reality today.
Institutional tensions
The report also mentions growing tensions between Kallas and the European Commission led by Ursula von der Leyen, which has expanded its role in EU foreign policy.
According to some diplomats, these institutional clashes may be the real reason behind the recent debate over Kallas’ role, more than her personal performance itself.
The European Commission emphasized that the European External Action Service remains an important part of the EU structure and has the full support of its presidency. /Telegraph/