Diplomat Kallas Strives for Position Amid Trump's Disruptions to the Western Order
Reimagined Article:
EU HEADQUARTERS, BRUSSELS— On her whirlwind five-month tenure as the EU's chief diplomat, Kaja Kallas admits it's been a wild ride, with US President Donald Trump turning the global order upside down.
"Each day is like Russell Crowe in 'Gladiator,'" she confessed to AFP, gesturing as if checking her phone. "It's fucking madness."
Kallas, a hawk regarded as a staunch critic of the Kremlin, dedicated her career to championing a strong NATO and European-American ties.
Trump's term, however, has shaken things up, flipping U.S. support for Ukraine, drawing closer to Russia, and dismantling the Western alliance that's ensured Europe's security for generations.
"It's like breaking a priceless vase," Kallas said, reflecting in her office high above the city. "You can glue it back together, but the trust is broken—and that's irreversible."
The world was left scrambling to adapt to Trump's tumultuous reign, and Kallas was no exception. The new US order is openly hostile to the European Union, sidelining the bloc amid efforts to end the Ukraine conflict.
"Washington can be as friendly as your neighbor Tom," Kallas insists, referring to her interactions with Secretary of State Marco Rubio—despite a cancelled meeting in February.
Europe, meanwhile, is splintering, with France and Britain leading smaller coalitions in response to Russia-allied countries like Hungary. Kallas sees merit in these "ready-for-action" groups but worries that the EU is underperforming.
"Adversaries hate the EU because we're a force to reckon with when we unite," Kallas stated. "But when we are together, we're equals—and that makes a difference."
The notoriously challenging role of EU high representative comes with its share of criticism. Diplomats have described it as impossible, with EU member states still deciding their own foreign policies and the position lacking real power.
"They want a bureaucrat, not a leader," one diplomat shared, speaking off the record. "Anyone there will face criticism."
Kallas is the first former national leader to hold the post and has sought to leverage her standing to challenge the seasoned bureaucrats in Brussels.
"I can be dogmatic and myopic, unable to see the forest for the trees," a senior diplomat revealed, candidly assessing Kallas' approach.
Her first significant challenge came when she attempted to rally support for a massive €40-billion arms package for Ukraine, only to face opposition from powerful nations like France and Italy.
Scaling back her proposal to two million artillery shells, Kallas now boasts that two-thirds have already been supplied.
"The most frustrating part is the petty squabbles between EU institutions," Kallas said. "I expect results—not political points."
Despite the headspinning changes andlimitsof her power, Kallas sees opportunities on the global stage, particularly in Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
"The world is looking to Europe, and with the tumult in the East, we have the chance to grow our geopolitical influence," Kallas saidexcitedly.
As she navigates the challenges of Trump's foreign policy, Kallas remains optimistic about her role. "I'm trying my best and hoping it's good enough," she admitted. "But in five years—ask me again."
- Kaja Kallas, the EU's chief diplomat, agreed that Trump's presidency has disrupted the global order, likening it to a "priceless vase" that can be glued back together but with broken trust that's irreversible.
- In response to Trump's hostile new order, Kallas has sought to recalibrate EU policy-and-legislation regarding war-and-conflicts, particularly in Ukraine, where she advocated for a €40-billion arms package, although she later had to scale back her proposal.
- The geopolitical implications of Trump's presidency have led Kallas to look beyond Europe for opportunities, targeting growth in Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
- Despite facing criticism for herdogmatic and myopic approach, Kallas sees politics as a means to drive change, stating that adversaries hate the EU because of its collective strength and threatening influence on policy-and-legislation in general-news.
