Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas Resigns for EU Role

Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas has resigned to assume the role of EU's foreign policy chief. Known for her strong stance against Russia, Kallas led Estonia to significant military aid contributions to Ukraine. Climate Minister Kristen Michal is expected to succeed her, pending cabinet negotiations.

Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas submitted her resignation on Monday to take up a new position as the European Union's foreign policy chief. According to the president's office, Kallas, 47, has been a vocal critic of Russia's expansionist policies since assuming office in early 2021.

Under Kallas' leadership, Estonia has become one of the largest donors of military aid to Ukraine on a per capita basis. She led her liberal Reform party to victory in parliamentary elections in both 2019 and 2023, maintaining her position as head of the government.

The Reform party has nominated Climate Minister Kristen Michal to become Estonia's next prime minister, subject to successful coalition negotiations with its partners, the liberal Estonia 200 and the Social Democrats. Kallas will continue as the caretaker prime minister until the new government is established by early August, reported Estonia's public broadcaster ERR.

The Reform party is scheduled to elect its new leader on September 8.

(With inputs from agencies.)