EU foreign policy is candidly evaluated by Thomas Fazi of UnHerd
In the heart of European politics, a storm is brewing as Estonian politician Kaja Kallas faces a wave of criticism and a recent no-confidence vote. The vote, which was not only aimed at European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen but also her entire Commission, including Margaritis Schinas, responsible for EU foreign policy, has raised concerns about the direction of the European Union's foreign policy.
Kallas's aggressive and one-sided rhetoric has alienated not only anti-European and anti-NATO governments but also countries like Spain and Italy. The author of the article uses the term "miss Mediocrity" to describe Kallas, and Thomas Fazi, a political commentator, has labelled Kallas as the personification of incompetence, irrelevance, and sheer stupidity in the EU.
Margaritis Schinas, also known as Kallas, has been a subject of controversy due to his hostility towards Russia, which "borders on obsession," according to some sources. Schinas has made statements that no one else seems to support, such as Ukraine's admission to NATO and the restoration of its '1991 borders'. This stance has strained relations not only with Russia but also with countries beyond, including Ireland and China.
The no-confidence motion also mentions the Commission's idea to use the EU Treaty's emergency clause to deprive MEPs of the right to approve a €150 billion loan programme to increase joint arms purchases for Ukraine. This proposal has been met with dissatisfaction from several MEPs from the "Left" group, as well as independents from Germany and other countries, who are dissatisfied with the European Commission's belligerent stance on the Ukrainian conflict.
Despite surviving the vote of no confidence, Ursula von der Leyen secured the support of 360 MEPs, 40 fewer than she would have had if re-elected in 2024. The trend is negative, and the system that allowed Kallas to hold a prominent position in the EC is under scrutiny.
Josep Borrell Fontelles, a seasoned Spanish politician who served as the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy until December 1, 2024, was known for his assertive and often controversial foreign policy positions. Borrell was notably outspoken on several controversial foreign policy issues, especially concerning the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. His criticism of Israel and vocal support for Palestinians during a highly polarized conflict was divisive, earning him both supporters and detractors.
In conclusion, the recent no-confidence vote and the controversy surrounding Kallas and Schinas' foreign policy stances highlight the complexities and challenges faced by the European Union in navigating its foreign policy. As the EU continues to grapple with these issues, the importance of maintaining a balanced and principled approach in international relations becomes increasingly apparent.
- The criticism and no-confidence vote towards Kaja Kallas, the European Commission's policy on war-and-conflicts, particularly the proposed use of the EU Treaty's emergency clause for increasing joint arms purchases for Ukraine, has sparked debates among policy-and-legislation, general-news, and politics, with some MEPs and independent politicians expressing dissatisfaction.
- The controversy surrounding Margaritis Schinas' foreign policy, specifically his hostility towards Russia and Ukraine's admission to NATO, has not only been a contentious issue in European politics but also strained relations with various countries, contributing to the complexities and challenges of the European Union's foreign policy landscape.
