New EU chief diplomat Kaja Kallas needs more self-confidence – News

• 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.

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⁤ ​ Kaja Kallas at the hearing before the Members. She is also known as the “Iron Lady of Estonia”.
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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.