The EU may review Kaia Kallas's powers – FT
European Union countries, including France and Germany, are considering a major overhaul of the European External Action Service (EEAS).
According to sources, the goal of the changes is to improve the EU’s responsiveness and effectiveness in addressing international challenges, particularly Russia’s war against Ukraine and the crisis in the Middle East. Among the proposals under discussion is a review of the powers of the head of European diplomacy, Kaia Kallas, including a possible reduction of those powers.
FT sources claim that many governments are dissatisfied with the EU’s foreign policy service amid international crises. This includes, in particular, Russia’s war against Ukraine, tensions in the Middle East, as well as the growing role of economic pressure, tariffs, and energy as foreign policy tools.
According to the newspaper, among the options being considered by governments are reducing the powers of EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaia Kallas and the European External Action Service (EEAS), as well as loosening control over the network of more than 140 EU delegations around the world. Some of the agency’s powers may be returned to the European Commission and member states.
In addition, competition continues in Brussels between the foreign policy service and the European Commission, led by Ursula von der Leyen, over influence on the shaping of security and defense policy. In particular, the European Commission is considering creating its own mechanisms for sharing intelligence.
Another argument in favor of the reform is the need to cut costs in the future EU budget. Some of the EEAS’s functions could be transferred to the European Commission and the Council of the EU, which would reduce administrative costs.
This is reported by the Financial Times.
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