A controversial appointment
Kaja Kallas, who previously served as Prime Minister of Estonia, has been named new vice president of the European Commission and high EU representative for foreign affairs and security policy, thus occupying the place left by Josep Borrell. His choice has been influenced by his geopolitical context, as Estonia is one of the European countries with greater vulnerability to Russia, which gives a forceful message to the core of the European Commission headed by Ursula von der Leyen.
The challenges of the new high representative
However, the appointment of Kallas is not exempt from controversy. His affiliation with the Liberal Party, which has experienced a significant decrease in the last European elections, has raised doubts about his ability to effectively lead. This decision seems to be part of a wider strategy of Von der Leyen to consolidate a political block that includes traditional formations, even if they are declining, to deal with the rise of the most radical parties.
The Small Estonia in a Global Context
Kallas comes from a country with a lower population than in Barcelona, with only 1.4 million inhabitants. This reality may make it difficult to adapt to the complexity of the European landscape, where it interacts with 27 Member States with diverse interests and policies. His first trip to Kiev revealed this lack of diplomatic experience, when he stated that “the European Union wants Ukraine to win this war”, generating negative reactions within the commission.
Internal reactions and criticism
Since then, its management has been criticized by a style that often ignores the consultation with key actors. France, for example, expressed its discontent with a proposal from Kallas to compensate for a possible end of U.S. military aid in Ukraine, emphasizing the need to coordinate strategies.
Tensions with other European leaders
Tensions have also emerged between Kallas and other leaders, such as Spanish President Pedro Sánchez, who suggested the creation of a special Union representative for Ukraine, a proposal that coincides with Kallas’ aspirations on his new role. These types of situations highlight the divisions that can harm the cohesion of European foreign policy.
An uncertain future for European diplomacy
With Kaja Kallas at the helm of EU diplomacy, his ability to influence peace negotiations with Russia and Ukraine is in place. If you do not get a significant change in its strategy and gain its legitimacy with Kremlin, Europe could be relegated to the conflict resolution process. This situation opens a crucial debate on the role of the Von der Leyen commission and its decisions at such a delicate time.