German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul has invited his EU counterparts to Berlin on December 2 for further discussions on reforming the European Union’s foreign policy, including the restructuring of the European External Action Service (EEAS).
Berlin and Paris are preparing a joint position paper that will reflect the outcomes of the initial debates held on Wednesday during the EU foreign ministers’ meeting in Ireland. Those debates featured criticism of a proposal to transfer most EEAS foreign‑policy powers and staff to the European Commission, as well as to strengthen the role of the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, in her capacity as a vice‑president. In addition to smaller member states, Kallas herself has firmly opposed the reform.
Kallas argued that the existing institutional framework should remain unchanged, noting that a «broad majority» of member states backs this view. «If we are doing our job well in the External Action Service, there is no point in duplicating these tasks in the Commission — it should stay there», she said after the meeting in Wicklow, south of Dublin. She described her role as «the link between the member states and the Commission».
She added, however, that this arrangement works only «on paper, theoretically». The former Estonian prime minister explained that problems arise because, within the Commission, she reports to its president, Ursula von der Leyen: «Because it is true that I perform this role. But if there have been cases where someone above me actually made the decisions, then it doesn’t work that way».
Diplomats reject Kallas’ claims
Diplomats disputed Kallas’ assertion that a «broad majority» of states wants to preserve the current institutional structure. One diplomat described the debates as «too simplified» and pointed out that many states have not taken a clear position. He also noted that smaller member states fear losing influence over decision‑making if the European Commission is empowered. Under the present system, considerable effort is spent coordinating statements with the 27 EU member states, while the EU’s High Representative rarely initiates proposals herself.
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani responded positively to the German‑French reform initiative. In an interview with F.A.Z. on the sidelines of the foreign ministers’ meeting, he called it an «important proposal» that now needs careful examination. Tajani said he also wishes to contribute with his own Italian proposal, adding, «We need more Europe in the world. To do this, we must be more active than a single service».
On Thursday, Kallas introduced the new Secretary‑General of the EEAS. The post will be filled by former Dutch Defence Minister Kajsa Ollongren of the liberal D66 party. Ollongren indicated that she will convene a council of experts to work on EEAS reform.
Germany and France’s plans to reform the EEAS
Germany and France intend to sharply curtail the powers of the EEAS, which was established in 2010. Under the proposal, the service would handle only civilian and military missions, a task that could be performed by roughly 15 % of its current staff of nearly 3,000 employees. Specialized foreign‑policy units would instead be integrated into the European Commission, where a new Directorate‑General for External Relations would be created. Available information indicates that the European Commission has already begun planning for this transition.
According to the plan, the EU’s High Representative would, as an executive vice‑president, gain authority to direct certain commissioners, while still remaining subject to the political guidance of the European Commission president. The reform could be implemented without amending EU treaties, but it would require unanimous approval from all member states.
According to: FAZ
