EU countries weigh ‘tearing apart’ bloc’s diplomatic service

Financial Times 2026-06-11 04:00:27
Context: The European Union is facing internal challenges as some member countries are questioning the leadership and coordination of the bloc's diplomatic service, the European External Action Service (EEAS). The EEAS is headed by Chief Diplomat Kaja Kallas, who has been under scrutiny over various issues. The situation has sparked concerns about the unity and effectiveness of the EU's diplomatic efforts.

Key Facts

  • The criticism of the EEAS has been mounting, with some EU countries expressing frustration over the leadership and coordination issues, which they believe are hindering the bloc's ability to respond effectively to global challenges. EEAS officials have been accused of being too focused on internal politics and not doing enough to address the external challenges facing the EU, such as the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the rising tensions with China. The criticism has been led by some of the EU's largest member countries, including Germany and France, which have been calling for a more effective and coordinated approach to EU diplomacy.
  • The criticism of the EEAS has been further fueled by the recent appointment of Kaja Kallas as the Chief Diplomat, who has been accused of being too inexperienced and not having the necessary skills to lead the EU's diplomatic service. Kallas has been a member of the Estonian parliament and has served as the country's Prime Minister, but she has not had any previous experience in international diplomacy. Her appointment has been seen as a surprise by many EU officials and has raised concerns about her ability to lead the EEAS effectively.
  • The EEAS has been facing a number of challenges, including a lack of resources and a shortage of skilled staff. The service has been accused of being too bureaucratic and not being effective in responding to the needs of EU member countries. The criticism has been led by some of the EU's smaller member countries, which have been calling for a more effective and efficient approach to EU diplomacy. The EEAS has been trying to address these challenges by implementing a number of reforms, including a new budget and a reorganization of its staff.
  • The criticism of the EEAS has been further fueled by the recent revelation that the service has been involved in a number of controversies, including a scandal over the use of EU funds for personal expenses. The scandal has been accused of being a serious breach of EU rules and has raised concerns about the accountability and transparency of the EEAS. The service has been accused of being too secretive and not doing enough to address the concerns of EU member countries.
  • The EU's leaders are scheduled to meet in a summit in Brussels in June to discuss the future of the EEAS and the role of the Chief Diplomat. The summit is expected to be a critical moment for the EU's diplomatic service, as it will determine the future direction of the bloc's foreign policy and the leadership of the EEAS. The outcome of the summit is uncertain, but it is expected to be a closely watched event by EU officials and diplomats around the world.

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