France, Germany make pitch to overhaul EU foreign policy
Proposal is an attempt to boost Kaja Kallas’s role while recognizing that much of the real power to conduct foreign policy lies with the Commission.
France and Germany are pushing for a major overhaul of the European Union's foreign policy apparatus to boost the power of EU chief diplomat Kaja Kallas. The two nations propose giving Kallas far-reaching authority over the European External Action Service (EEAS), which handles EU external affairs. This includes migration, development aid, and other policy areas.
However, the plan also aims to lessen the EEAS's power by relocating some of its 5,000 staff and functions within the Commission amid budget constraints. EU diplomats and officials doubt any major reforms will occur before the end of Ursula von der Leyen's second term in office in 2029, as the EU's foreign policy effectiveness is tied to member states' willingness to cooperate.
Kallas has shared her brief questionnaire with capitals and aims to present initial proposals soon, seeking feedback on strategic direction and institutional alignment.
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