Member state resistance halts Kallas’s attempt to launch high-level diplomatic group

World euTop News Member state resistance halts Kallas’s attempt to launch high-level diplomatic group Kallas Von Der Leyen Relevant News Member state resistance halts Kallas’s attempt to launch high-level diplomatic group 7 September 2026 Cyprus film festival lets audience pick a winner for first time 7 September 2026 MEP Fidias Panayiotou vows hunger strike if electricity VAT returns to 19% 7 September 2026 Theodosis Pipis 7 September 2026 FacebookXWhatsAppEmailPrintViber EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas on Sunday cancelled plans to launch a new high-level advisory group of former political and military leaders, after pressure from several EU member states. The decision is the latest setback for Kallas as she faces growing tensions with the European Commission and some EU capitals over plans to reform the European External Action Service (EEAS), the bloc’s diplomatic corps. The proposed reforms, backed by France and Germany, are formally intended to strengthen the EEAS and clarify Kallas’ role as the EU’s foreign policy chief. However, allies of Kallas have expressed concern that the changes could ultimately give the European Commission greater influence over the bloc’s foreign and security policy. Kallas has been engaged in a behind-the-scenes struggle with the Commission over the future structure of the EU’s diplomatic service. An EU official told Politico that the decision to cancel the planned launch was prompted by concerns raised by member states. “Some member states felt this was not the right path to pursue at this moment,” the unnamed official added. “After some discussion with ministers, we have decided not to proceed with the initiative. We are looking at new ways of engaging with member states.” The group had been due to be presented in Brussels on Monday morning at the Bibliothèque Solvay, with around 150 representatives from EU institutions, think tanks, academia and NATO expected to attend. Kallas’ office had not publicly disclosed the group’s membership. However, three diplomats said former NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen was expected to chair the group. Other expected members included former Estonian Defence Minister and NATO ambassador Jüri Luik, as well as former French Armed Forces Minister Florence Parly. Germany was also expected to nominate a representative. Diplomats said the group could include figures from non-EU countries, including the United Kingdom and Ukraine. The initiative was intended to form part of a broader effort to strengthen and relaunch the EEAS under a new leadership team. The service recently appointed former Dutch Defence Minister Kajsa Ollongren as secretary-general and former French ambassador to NATO David Cvach as deputy secretary-general responsible for defence. From the outset, however, some EU diplomats had questioned whether the proposed group risked duplicating existing work within the European Commission. In particular, concerns were raised about possible overlap with the activities of Defence Commissioner Andrius Kubilius, who already holds regular discussions with think tanks and former political leaders. The cancellation highlights the broader political difficulties surrounding the future of the EU’s foreign-policy machinery, as member states and EU institutions debate how responsibilities for diplomacy, defence and security should be divided. The proposed changes to the EEAS are part of a broader debate over how the EU should organise and exercise its foreign and security policy. The Franco-German proposals are aimed at making the bloc’s diplomatic machinery more effective and better integrated, while also reinforcing the role of the EU’s foreign policy chief. However, the division of responsibilities between the EEAS and the European Commission remains politically sensitive. Any changes could affect who has greater influence over areas such as diplomacy, sanctions, defence policy and relations with countries outside the bloc. Background The EEAS, established in 2011, acts as the European Union’s diplomatic service. It supports the EU’s foreign policy chief, coordinates the bloc’s diplomatic positions and operates EU delegations around the world. Its work is closely linked to that of the European Commission and the governments of the 27 member states, creating a structure in which responsibilities can sometimes overlap. The service has also taken on a more prominent role as the EU has become increasingly involved in issues ranging from Russia’s war in Ukraine and European defence to relations with China and the Middle East. At the centre of the current debate is the question of how much authority Kallas should have over the EU’s foreign and security policy. While she formally serves as the bloc’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the Commission retains significant powers in areas with an external dimension, including trade, economic assistance and parts of defence-related policy. The result is an institutional balance that can require close coordination between the EEAS, the Commission and national governments. The dispute over the proposed advisory group therefore reflects a wider struggle over how the EU should organise its foreign-policy decision-making and who should ultimately have the strongest voice. (Source:Politico Europe) Read more: Is there a future for the European diplomatic service? Subscribe to our Newsletter Latest News Cyprus film festival lets audience pick a winner for first time MEP Fidias Panayiotou vows hunger strike if electricity VAT returns to 19% China will keep backing Cyprus on sovereignty and Cyprus problem, ambassador Yang Yundong says Health professionals giving out unapproved products with health promises, Cyprus regulator warns Musk backs Kasidiaris… Yes to the GSI, but Je suis Makis Keravnos! A €2bn mistake would be catastrophic Has the artist been paid? Follow en.philenews on Google News and be the first to know all the news about Cyprus and the world.