European Union considers reforms to diplomatic service

The European Union has initiated discussions regarding potential reforms to its diplomatic service, which France and Germany have characterized as insufficiently efficient. Since its establishment in 2011, the service has faced challenges stemming from disagreements among the 27 member states and friction between EU institutions.

High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas is tasked with coordinating the Union’s foreign policy to ensure a unified voice. However, her effectiveness is often limited by conflicting positions from individual member states, particularly regarding issues like the Middle East. Furthermore, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has frequently intervened in foreign policy matters, which some view as an encroachment on Kallas’s mandate.

During a meeting of foreign ministers near Dublin, France and Germany presented proposals aimed at strengthening the High Representative’s role. A French proposal suggests transferring part of the diplomatic service to the European Commission to rationalize operations and increase Kallas’s authority. The EU diplomatic service currently employs approximately 5,500 staff members with a budget of just under one billion euros. While French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot noted that the proposals have caused some disagreement, Kallas indicated that the 27 member states have not shown significant enthusiasm for the reform discussions.