More and more criticism against Kaja Kallas – some powers may be taken away

Kaja Kallas, the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Policy, is facing heightened scrutiny amid discussions surrounding potential structural reforms within the European Union. The focus intensified following the release of an unofficial document linked to the French government, which outlines several paths for transforming her existing mandate. These proposals suggest three options: augmenting her powers by integrating trade and economic development, or alternatively, diminishing her role by transferring authority to the European Commission or individual member states.

In response to the circulating document and related media coverage, Kallas has maintained that any changes must be grounded strictly in existing EU treaties. She has emphasized in internal communications that the roles of European institutions are clearly delineated within these treaties. The criticism surrounding Kallas is multifaceted.

It includes critiques regarding her statements on China, her advocacy for utilizing frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine, and perceived difficulties in maintaining alignment with the US administration. Furthermore, some observers suggest that her actions sometimes resemble those of a national prime minister rather than a neutral representative of the 27 member states. Adding to the debate are institutional tensions.

Diplomats suggest that the challenge facing Kallas is less about her individual performance and more about the complex structure of EU foreign policy decision-making, which often requires unanimity, making any single veto highly impactful. The debate is also colored by growing institutional friction between the European External Action Service, which Kallas heads, and the European Commission. These structural complexities underscore the deep institutional challenges complicating the role of the High Representative.

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