Breaking EU News: High Rep Post Up for Grabs
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EU's Top Job Contender: Estonian Prime Minister Kallas for the Role of Foreign Policy Chief
Estonia's Prime Minister, Kaja Kallas, has found herself in the limelight as the it girl for the next High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (HR/VP) of the European Commission. Current occupant, Josep Borrell, won't be reclaiming his role in the next European Commission, opening the door for a new contender.
Although the HR/VP job may not wield significant power in practice—national foreign ministers often take the reins—small member countries value the position, according to political publication, Politico. They see it as an opportunity to amplify their voices, especially in shaping EU foreign policy towards Russia.
Kallas, the rising star from Estonia, is generating plenty of chatter in Brussels about this coveted position. Three French officials have reportedly indicated that Macron's office is keeping tabs on Kallas as a potential successor to Borrell. However, Macron is keeping his options open, says Politico.
"There's a good synergy between Macron and Kallas, she's well-respected and they share similar viewpoints," a source revealed to Politico.
Fierce Focus on Russia
While Kallas' name is aggressive on the lips of Brussels insiders, it's not a done deal yet. EU members further removed from Russia express concerns about Kallas' critical stance on Russia, fearing she may prioritize the erstwhile Soviet nemesis at the expense of the rest of the globe.
Other potential candidates for the HR/VP post include Alexander De Croo, prime minister of Belgium; Sophie Wilmès, former prime minister of Belgium; Xavier Bettel, foreign minister of Luxembourg; Radek Sikorski, foreign minister of Poland; and Micheál Martin, former taoiseach (prime minister) of Ireland.
As the HR/VP, Kallas would chair regular meetings of the EU's 27 foreign, defence, and development ministers and represent the EU at G7 and G20 ministerial meetings if she takes the mantle. The role requires appointment by the European Council and typically follows the EU’s five-year institutional cycle.
However, no imminent changes are evident in the available materials. The focus remains on operational activities such as election observation and enlargement policy rather than personnel alterations[3][4][5]. For the latest speculation and confirmation of political succession plans, consult the Politico article or official EU announcements.
- Kaja Kallas' critical stance on Russia has raised concerns among EU members further removed from Russia, as they fear she may prioritize Russia at the expense of the rest of the globe.
- The HR/VP position is an opportunity for small member countries like Estonia to amplify their voices, especially in shaping EU foreign policy towards Russia.
- LinkedIn discussions in Brussels are abuzz with Kallas, the rising star from Estonia, as a potential successor to Josep Borrell as High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (HR/VP) of the European Commission.
- A source revealed to Politico that there's a good synergy between Macron and Kallas, with both being well-respected and sharing similar viewpoints.
- If appointed as HR/VP, Kallas would represent the EU at G7 and G20 ministerial meetings, chair regular meetings of the EU’s 27 foreign, defense, and development ministers, and be involved in policy-and-legislation related to security, politics, and general news.
