Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas is set to become the European Union’s next foreign policy chief, according to a report by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) on 26 June.
RFE/RL reports that Kallas will replace Josep Borrell, who has held the position since 2019. This appointment comes as part of a broader reshuffling of top EU positions, with sources also indicating that Antonio Costa, Portugal’s former prime minister, is to become the next president of the European Council, succeeding Charles Michel.
The report notes that Kallas had previously shown interest in becoming NATO Secretary General. However, she ultimately supported Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte for the role.
NATO confirmed Rutte’s appointment on 26 June, stating, “outgoing Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte has been appointed as the military alliance’s next secretary-general.”
According to RFE/RL, sources in Brussels familiar with the negotiations indicate that there is consensus among the EU’s 27 member states regarding the appointments of Kallas, Costa, and current European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. These appointments are expected to be officially confirmed at a summit on 27 June.
Kallas, who became Estonia’s prime minister in 2021, has gained international prominence since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began. She became “one of the most outspoken proponents of Western support” for Ukraine.
According to the Kiel Institute for the World Economy (IfW Kiel), Estonia has allocated “569 million euros ($608 million) in support” to Ukraine. This figure represents 1.6% of Estonia’s GDP, placing the country at the top of the list among Ukraine’s international partners in terms of relative contribution.
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