- Former Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas is standing for election as EU foreign policy chief on Tuesday.
- She previously answered questions from EU representatives in Brussels.
- Your selection is considered safe. She is succeeding the Spanish Josep Borrell who is at the top of EU diplomacy.
At the hearing before the EU Parliament, Kallas asked the EU to continue supporting Ukraine in the war against Russia. «We have to keep working every day. Today, tomorrow and for as long as necessary and with as much military, financial and humanitarian assistance as necessary,” she said.
Without China’s support, Russia would not be able to continue the war with the same strength, Kallas argued. China would have to bear higher costs from this. She did not say exactly how this would happen. In theory, the EU Commission could in the future propose new sanctions against Chinese companies that supply goods of military use to Russia.
Legend:
Kaja Kallas at the hearing before the Members. She is also known as the “Iron Lady of Estonia”.
REUTERS/Johanna Geron
As the former Prime Minister of Estonia, Kallas always took a clear stance against Russia, says SRF EU correspondent Charles Liebherr. Because of that she looked credible to the EU representatives. “Kaja Kallas can be sure of broad support within the EU.” This indirectly helps Ukraine.
The EU needs more self-reliance
The US elections were also a big topic at the hearing. Kallas answered the relevant questions pragmatically: Regardless of who is president of the USA, the EU must do its work better than before.
Kallas also wanted the EU to exercise its economic power more confidently – especially against China and the US. “Of course this self-confidence can be heard happily in the EU Parliament,” says correspondent Liebherr. This means that the EU’s foreign policy is likely to be a little less restrictive and a little more counter-pressured in the future.
Kallas can shape the EU’s foreign policy more easily
Kallas was nominated by 27 EU heads of state and government in June. As the representative of foreign affairs, she has to do the balancing act between the member states. This is a difficult task, says Liebherr. “It should be an advantage that she comes from a small member state.”
Kalla’s predecessor, the Spaniard Josep Borrell, had to keep an eye on the foreign policy of his native country. The future EU foreign representative can act more freely. “This should be an advantage in negotiations within the EU to reach a compromise for a common position,” said the SRF correspondent.
It won’t be easy in five years.
The 47-year-old is expected to take up office in December. In addition to the office of head of EU foreign policy, she was also appointed, like her predecessor, Vice President of the European Commission. Like the other members of the Commission, their term of office is five years.
“It’s not going to be an easy five years,” Kallas said. “I see a coalition of autocrats gathering around us and threatening geopolitical upheavals around the world,” she told MEPs. The EU must be aware that there is a threat. You must respond appropriately to this with your closest allies.
“We cannot accept that Russia, Iran and North Korea produce more equipment and ammunition than the entire Euro-Atlantic community.” We must, therefore, invest more in defense and take more responsibility.
Interview between Time.news Editor and Charles Liebherr, EU Correspondent
Time.news Editor: Welcome, Charles! It’s a pleasure to have you here to discuss Kaja Kallas’s impending nomination as the EU’s foreign policy chief. There’s a lot of excitement surrounding her candidacy. How do you assess her potential impact on EU foreign policy?
Charles Liebherr: Thank you for having me! Kaja Kallas brings not only experience but a strong, credible stance against Russia from her time as Estonia’s Prime Minister. Her clear position on supporting Ukraine and calling out China’s involvement in the conflict signals a shift towards a more assertive EU foreign policy. This could lead to a more unified stance within the EU, particularly regarding international challenges.
Time.news Editor: She made quite a statement during her hearing, emphasizing the need for continued support for Ukraine. What do you think sets her apart from her predecessor, Josep Borrell?
Charles Liebherr: Kallas’s approach is more direct and confident. While Borrell certainly advocated for strong EU measures, Kallas’s background and previous experience have positioned her as a strong advocate for Ukraine, one who seems ready to speak firmly against external pressures. Her comments about ensuring unwavering support for Ukraine over the long term reflect a pragmatic and realistic understanding of the geopolitical landscape.
Time.news Editor: You mentioned her views on China. Kallas suggested potential sanctions against companies supplying military goods to Russia. How significant is this stance, and what challenges might the EU face in implementing such measures?
Charles Liebherr: This is a crucial point. It highlights Kallas’s understanding of the interconnectedness of global politics and the EU’s need to be proactive. Targeting Chinese companies could lead to significant diplomatic challenges and pushback from Beijing, which complicates the EU’s relationship with a major global power. Nevertheless, Kallas’s willingness to pursue this indicates a readiness to leverage economic power more assertively—a notable shift from previous policies.
Time.news Editor: Speaking of economic power, Kallas has called for the EU to exercise its power more confidently against both China and the US. Could you elaborate on what this confidence might look like in practice?
Charles Liebherr: Absolutely. This newfound self-confidence could manifest in a variety of ways, such as stronger trade negotiations, more assertive stances on international law violations, and a unified response to global challenges. For instance, if the EU collectively decided to impose tariffs or identify unfair trade practices, it would signal that the union is prepared to act on the global stage as an economic power rather than a passive observer.
Time.news Editor: It’s fascinating to note that she has broad support within the EU, thanks to her credibility due to her firm stance against Russia. Do you think this unity can translate effectively into action, especially as political landscapes continue to shift?
Charles Liebherr: That’s the million-dollar question. While Kallas enjoys strong support, translating that unity into decisive action requires overcoming diverse national interests within the EU. If she can leverage her credibility and experience to foster consensus, we might see a more cohesive European response to international issues. It will also depend on the political climate within individual member states as they navigate their domestic agendas alongside their commitments to EU priorities.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Charles, for sharing your insights! It certainly seems like Kallas’s leadership could mark a pivotal moment for the EU’s foreign policy approach. We look forward to witnessing how her tenure unfolds.
Charles Liebherr: Thank you for having me! It will be interesting to see how Kallas balances her vision with the complexities of EU politics. Let’s hope for a productive chapter ahead for Europe.
