Revamping the EU Diplomatic Service: Kallas at the Helm?

French officials have proposed an overhaul of the EU's diplomatic service, aiming to enhance its crisis response by potentially expanding the foreign policy role of Kaja Kallas. Internal divisions and overlapping duties are seen as sources of dysfunction, prompting discussions on reshaping the EU's foreign policy structure.

In an effort to fortify the EU's diplomatic service, French officials have proposed a significant restructuring that might amplify the foreign policy position held by Kaja Kallas, the current foreign policy chief. According to an internal document, this proposal arises from concerns regarding the EU's delayed responses to crises such as the Gaza conflict.

The document reveals a consensus among EU officials that the bloc's institutional complexity has hindered effective action, pointing to the overlapping roles of the European Commission and the EU External Action Service as central challenges. As a solution, three potential pathways for reform have been outlined.

Among these options, one suggests empowering Kallas with greater responsibilities as an executive vice president within the Commission, potentially centralizing foreign policy functions to streamline decision-making. Kallas, in a note to her staff, has embraced the ongoing debate affirming that while roles are treaty-defined, boosting the EU's collective efficacy is paramount.