EU member states support Kaja Kallas and EEAS amid reform debates

EU member states have expressed support for the European External Action Service (EEAS) and its leader, High Representative Kaja Kallas, according to an internal document sent to staff by Secretary-General Kaja Ollongren.

This support comes amid discussions regarding potential reforms to European diplomacy. During the summer, France and Germany considered fundamental changes to the EEAS, with reports suggesting they might seek to transfer certain competencies from Kallas and the EEAS back to the European Commission and individual member states.

Ollongren noted that during recent visits to European capitals, including Berlin, and a meeting of foreign ministers in Dublin in early September, she received assurances of support. While the member states desire a more “coherent, flexible, and efficient” external action, Ollongren emphasized that no formal proposals have been made and any significant structural changes would require a broad political consensus among all 27 member states.