Is there a future for the European diplomatic service?

Opinion European UniongazaIsraelrussia Is there a future for the European diplomatic service? 1024px Vice President Designate Kaja Kallas 1 Relevant News Is there a future for the European diplomatic service? 30 June 2026 CCTV shows brothers playing before their deaths in Xylofagou car 30 June 2026 Monaco terrorist attack victim is Ukrainian-born tycoon, holds Cypriot citizenship 30 June 2026 Theodosis Pipis 30 June 2026 FacebookXWhatsAppEmailPrintViber In 2011 the European External Action Service was launched by the EU to give the European Union its own diplomatic service which could propel its voice on the world stage. However, that voice was not given its own liberties and had to answer to the European Commission. The European External Action Service (EEAS) is the European Union’s diplomatic service, headed by the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs, currently Kaja Kallas. Its main tasks are to represent the EU abroad, to help carry out the EU’s foreign and security policy, support EU ambassadors and delegations globally and to advise EU leaders on international issues. Simply put, the EEAS handles diplomacy for the EU, much like a country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. A decade on, the EEAS is facing budget cuts a lack of policy tools and a brain drain amid a protracted turf war with Ursula von der Leyen’s Commission. The crisis comes at a time when the EU is already dealing with the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, as well as growing tensions with the United States. These challenges have forced the EU to adjust to a more difficult global situation, putting its foreign policy under greater scrutiny than ever. Despite, Kallas’ leadership managing to rally EU countries to deliver 20 packages of sanctions against Russia while fostering relations with the Gulf and Middle Eastern countries, there is a group in both the Council and the Commission that would like to dissolve the EEAS. But why has the EEAS found it so difficult to establish itself as a force within the EU institutions? Rising global conflicts, increased rivalry between major powers, and shifting diplomatic norms have made foreign policy more complex. At the same time, economic pressures have pushed EU governments to focus on priorities such as migration and defence, where the European Commission holds most of the financial and policy tools. As a result, the Commission has taken on a growing role in areas linked to foreign policy, including trade, technology, and defence, while the EEAS is largely limited to coordinating member states’ positions and providing diplomatic support. Although the EU’s institutional structure gives the European Commission responsibility for implementing policies and the High Representative responsibility for leading foreign affairs, the distinction has become increasingly blurred. In recent years, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has taken a more prominent diplomatic role, using crises to strengthen the Commission’s influence on the international stage, a most recent example lies in her engagement with Taliban officials on migration. While these actions fall within the Commission’s policy responsibilities, they also highlight how its expanding role is reducing the space for the European External Action Service (EEAS) to lead EU diplomacy. Additionally, since the start of her second term in 2024, Ursula von der Leyen has strengthened the European Commission’s diplomatic influence by recruiting senior officials from the European External Action Service (EEAS). Notably, former EEAS deputy secretary-general Simon Mordue now serves as the Commission’s chief diplomatic adviser and has helped shape the new European Security Strategy, reducing the EEAS’s traditional role. The Commission has also expanded its influence over key foreign policy areas, including relations with Turkey and the Mediterranean, by creating new structures and transferring responsibilities previously handled by the EEAS, such as the brand-new Directorate General for the Middle East and North Africa. These changes suggest that the Commission is increasingly taking over diplomatic functions, further weakening the EEAS’s position within the EU’s foreign policy system. Another division has emerged, one that hits closer to our parts of the Mediterranean. The European Commission and the EEAS have been divided on the handling of Israel since the October 2023 Hamas attacks. While High Representative Kaja Kallas has faced strained relations with the Israeli government, especially after reports emerged that she had used the term “apartheid” to describe Israel, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has relied on Commissioner Dubravka Šuica to lead diplomatic engagements, including talks with Israeli officials and discussions on Gaza-related issues. This parallel approach has exposed divisions within the EU’s external representation. While some member states have criticised the Commission for expanding its diplomatic role beyond its mandate, opposition has remained largely symbolic, allowing the Commission to continue increasing its influence over EU foreign policy. There could be more divisions in store as well as further budget cuts for the EEAS as many officials remain sceptical about its functionality. However, what is certain is that Kallas herself on the 11th of June played down reports on its abolition and that the fierce territorial battle with Ursula von der Leyen over who should lead the EU’s foreign policy work, will ensue. Subscribe to our Newsletter Latest News CCTV shows brothers playing before their deaths in Xylofagou car Monaco terrorist attack victim is Ukrainian-born tycoon, holds Cypriot citizenship Financial dispute under investigation in Limassol wife shooting case (photos+video) Manhunt continues for suspect in Strovolos stabbing of wife, mother-in-law Turkey says NATO adjusting to security landscape, US not withdrawing Paphos man, 59, gets six years for shooting wife in Peyia Things to do on Tuesday, June 30 Follow en.philenews on Google News and be the first to know all the news about Cyprus and the world.