The next chief of the European Union’s foreign policy, Kaja Kallas, has said that the war in Ukraine and strengthening EU security will be her priorities in office.
Former Estonian Prime Minister, Kallas said this in written replies to members of the European Parliament, as quoted by Reuters.
Kallas noted that European security is deeply personal to her as a native of a country that has long told other nations that “Russia’s imperialist dream has never died.”
“My short-term priority must be to address the pressing global issues: Russia’s war against Ukraine and strengthening the EU’s security and defense,” Kaja Kallas wrote.
The EU, she said, should also remain “at the forefront of humanitarian efforts” in the Middle East and work “with all players to support the achievement of a just and comprehensive peace.”
Kallas also emphasized that states from the “axis of evil” pose particular challenges.
“Actors such as Russia, Iran, North Korea, and partly China, aim at weaponising interdependencies and exploiting the openness of our societies against us. We must be prepared for this,” Kallas said.
Nominated by European leaders in June to become the EU’s new High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kallas will succeed Josep Borrell.
In November, the European Parliament will hold hearings on candidates for the next European Commission.
In 21 pages of answers to questions posed by MEPs on the eve of the hearings, the former Estonian prime minister outlined her vision of EU foreign policy.
Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas is regarded as one of the anti-Russian and pro-Ukrainian politicians who ran for the post of EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.
Kaja Kallas’ selection as head of European diplomacy demonstrates the EU’s clear understanding that Russia is a long-term strategic threat and that Ukraine, now an open negotiation candidate, will remain in the community’s priorities for a long time.
