EU foreign policy and EEAS reform dispute

Foreign ministers from Germany, France, and Poland have engaged in discussions via the Weimar Triangle to coordinate responses to international challenges and address EU foreign policy reform. A primary focus of these discussions is the proposed restructuring of the European External Action Service (EEAS).

Germany and France are advocating for a reform that would integrate a significant portion of the EEAS—which employs approximately 5,000 staff—directly into the European Commission. While this restructuring could expand the authority of the EU foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, in areas such as development and neighborhood policy, it would also place her under the direct supervision of Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

Kaja Kallas has expressed opposition to these reforms, arguing that the current institutional structure has broad support and that the primary issues involve implementation rather than treaties. She has stated that the proposed changes could effectively weaken the EEAS and potentially revert the EU’s diplomatic structure to a state seen prior to the Lisbon Treaty. Kallas emphasized her current role as a “link between the member states and the Commission.”

Recent developments indicate growing support for the current structure. According to an internal document from Secretary-General Kaja Ollongren, EU member states have expressed support for both the EEAS and Kallas. Ollongren noted that during visits to European capitals and a meeting of foreign ministers in Dublin in early September, she received assurances of support. While member states seek a more “coherent, flexible, and efficient” external action, Ollongren emphasized that no formal proposals have been made and any significant structural changes would require broad political consensus among all 27 member states.