Kaja Kallas
Coverage of Kaja Kallas in the Nexus archive.
- EU Commission considers supercharged department for foreign relations
The European Commission is considering merging multiple units into a single, powerful department for external relations to enhance its foreign policy impact. The proposal, part of a review led by Budget Commissioner Piotr Serafin, may integrate parts of DG TRADE and DG MENA. The reform aims to strengthen the Commission's agility and effectiveness amid ongoing tensions with the European External Action Service (EEAS).
- EU’s new ‘Iron Lady’ offers moral clarity on Ukraine
The article highlights Kaja Kallas as the EU's new 'Iron Lady' for her moral clarity on Ukraine. Her determination is described as an example and inspiration for a needed stateswoman in current times.
- Italy joins Bulgaria in resisting EU sanctions against Putin ally Patriarch Kirill
Italy and Bulgaria have expressed concerns over EU plans to sanction Russia’s Orthodox Patriarch Kirill, citing religious and diplomatic considerations. The EU’s 21st sanctions package, which includes a visa ban for Kirill and measures targeting Russia’s oil exports and military sectors, faces objections from several member states.
- Kallas proposes new Russia sanctions after massive strikes in Kyiv
Kaja Kallas, the European Union’s foreign policy chief, announced plans to sanction Russian military producers involved in the deadly attack on Kyiv. The attack, involving 74 missiles and over 490 drones, killed 18 people and injured more than 80. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned that intelligence indicated a new large-scale attack was being prepared.
- ‘Houston, we have a problem’: Was the EEAS set up to fail?
The European External Action Service (EEAS) faces internal tensions, declining morale, and criticism over its effectiveness, with conflicts between its leader Kaja Kallas and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The EEAS's structural challenges stem from its founding as a compromise, granting it broad expectations but limited authority amid competing EU institutions and national interests.
- Kallas to meet Erdoğan ahead of pivotal NATO summit
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas will meet Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan ahead of a NATO summit in Ankara, focusing on regional security, trade, and preparations for the July summit. The visit includes EU officials discussing issues like Iran, Syria, Gaza, Ukraine, and the 'middle corridor' trade route, despite ongoing political tensions and stalled EU accession talks with Turkey.
- Europe’s awkward embrace of Turkey
Three senior EU officials meet with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan to discuss security, migration, and connectivity ahead of a NATO summit. The EU's AD5 entry-level administrator admissions test is becoming more competitive, and a recent heatwave has exposed Europe's infrastructure challenges.
- Paris and Berlin push to make EU foreign policy great — somehow
Paris and Berlin are pushing for reforms to the EU's foreign policy structure, with France advocating for stronger powers for the EU's top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, and Germany considering transferring some of her responsibilities to the European Commission. The debate centers on clarifying institutional roles to enhance the EU's global assertiveness amid challenges from the U.S. and China.
- Europe’s foreign policy turf war
The EU’s diplomatic service (EEAS) is losing influence to Ursula von der Leyen’s Commission, prompting efforts by bloc diplomat Kaja Kallas to revive it. Europe seeks to reset trade relations with China while maintaining strong defenses, and Greece introduces a bounty on poisonous pufferfish. Finnish President Alexander Stubb discusses Trump, Ukraine, and NATO’s future in an interview.
- Why the EEAS is fighting for its future
The European External Action Service (EEAS) faces challenges including budget cuts, a turf war with the European Commission, and a lack of clear policy tools. Under Kaja Kallas' leadership, the EEAS struggles to compete with the Commission's resources and define its mission amid global conflicts and shifting EU priorities.
- Former EU vice president Borrell accuses body of abandoning Kaja Kallas over Israel spat
Former EU vice president Josep Borrell accused the EU of abandoning Kaja Kallas after Israel suspended ties with her over alleged antisemitic remarks comparing Israel's conduct to apartheid South Africa. Borrell criticized the EU for sending commissioner Dubravka Suica to Tel Aviv shortly after Israel declared Kallas persona non grata.
- Rich EU states ‘not an ATM’, Austria warns as budget battle begins
Austria warns that richer EU states should not be treated as an 'ATM' as budget disputes begin. Kaja Kallas refuses to 'fight shadows' in a disagreement over comments labeling Israel as an 'apartheid' state.
- Israel FM cuts contact with EU top diplomat over 'apartheid' remarks
Israel's foreign minister severed contact with the EU's top diplomat over remarks comparing Israel to apartheid-era South Africa. The move follows strained relations since the Gaza war began in October 2023 and ongoing tensions over Israeli settler violence in the West Bank.
- Ukrainian drones set a Moscow refinery ablaze in a major attack on the Russian capital
Ukrainian drones attacked a Moscow oil refinery, causing black smoke and flight disruptions. The attack, part of Ukraine's efforts to pressure Russia economically, followed a coordination call with G7 leaders. President Zelenskyy emphasized ending the war, while Russia's state media briefly reported the incident.
- Israel says it's cutting ties to EU's Kaja Kallas
Israel's foreign minister is severing contact with the EU's foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas. The move follows a media report alleging Kallas compared Israel to apartheid-era South Africa.
- FM Sa’ar severs contact with EU foreign policy chief over alleged apartheid comparison
Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Sa’ar has cut ties with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas over reported remarks comparing Israel to apartheid. Kallas stated she remains open to dialogue with Israel but refused to confirm or deny the report.
- Israeli foreign minister to ‘sever all contact’ with top EU diplomat
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar announced he will sever contact with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas over her alleged comparison of Israel’s treatment of Palestinians to apartheid-era South Africa. Kallas attempted to mend relations but failed, as Sa’ar demanded a retraction of the remarks, which she has neither confirmed nor denied. The dispute occurs amid EU divisions over Israel at a European Council summit.
- Israeli FM says he is severing 'all contact' with EU foreign policy chief
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar announced he is severing all contact with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas after she reportedly compared Israel’s policies toward Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza to South Africa’s apartheid-era system. Kallas emphasized the EU’s commitment to a two-state solution and criticized Israeli settlements, while Saar called her remarks 'shameful and libelous' and accused her of unfairness toward Israel.
- Israel’s foreign minister cuts ties with top EU diplomat over ‘apartheid’ remark
Israel’s foreign minister Gideon Saar severed ties with EU top diplomat Kaja Kallas over her reported comparison of Israel to South Africa’s apartheid regime. Diplomatic tensions between Israel and the EU have escalated since the Gaza war began in October 2023 and due to violence by Israeli settlers in the West Bank.
- Israel accuses EU's top diplomat of 'blood libel' and severs ties
Israel's foreign minister accuses EU's top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, of 'blood libel' for comparing Israel to South Africa's apartheid regime and severs all ties with her. Israel demands a retraction of the statement, which it claims has not been addressed by Kallas.
- Israeli foreign minister severs contact with EU foreign policy chief
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar announced he is cutting off contact with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas following remarks she allegedly made comparing Israel to apartheid-era South Africa. Saar stated this action is until Kallas retracts the comments, which he claims were made during a visit to Mexico.
- Ireland faces security test as it takes over EU presidency
Ireland faces security concerns as it prepares to assume the EU presidency amid rising threats like cyberattacks and infrastructure sabotage. The country's low defense spending (0.2% of GDP) and past incidents, such as drones near Ukrainian President Zelenskyy’s aircraft in December, have raised doubts about its ability to protect EU summits and critical infrastructure.
- Mission Impossible: Kaja Kallas
The article titled 'Mission Impossible: Kaja Kallas' discusses topics including China, Starmer, US trade, and ECR. It appears to focus on political or diplomatic challenges related to these entities.
- EU says China trained Russian troops as bloc weighs tougher stance on Beijing
The EU's top diplomat Kaja Kallas confirmed reports that China's military has trained Russian troops for combat in Ukraine, prompting the bloc to assess implications and consider sanctions against Chinese entities. The EU foreign ministers agreed to take action amid rising tensions between the two sides.
- No consensus for EU sanctions against Israel's Ben-Gvir, top diplomat says
EU foreign ministers have not reached a consensus to sanction Israel's National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, despite proposals from several member states. The discussion follows Ben-Gvir's video where he taunted activists attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza.
- EU leaders cautiously welcome Trump’s Iran ceasefire deal, urging swift follow-through
EU leaders cautiously welcomed U.S. President Donald Trump’s Iran ceasefire deal, emphasizing the need to address the global energy crisis and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The agreement, confirmed by Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, involves mediation from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey, though Israel has not yet signed on. International leaders will discuss the deal at an upcoming G7 summit in Évian.
- EU foreign policy chief compares Israel to apartheid South Africa: Report
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas privately compared Israel’s treatment of Palestinians to apartheid-era South Africa during confidential talks with Mexican officials in Mexico City. The remarks, reported by Euractiv, contrast with her public support for Israel and reference a visit to South Africa’s apartheid museum in Johannesburg.
- EU foreign policy chief compares Israel to apartheid South Africa: Report
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas privately compared Israel's treatment of Palestinians to apartheid-era South Africa during confidential talks with Mexican officials, contrasting with her public support for Israel. The remarks, reported by Euractiv, highlight a discrepancy between her private views and official statements, as well as broader criticism of the EU's perceived selective application of international law.
- Kallas defends EU’s foreign service after French paper questions its survival
Kaja Kallas, the EU’s foreign policy chief, defends the European External Action Service (EEAS) against proposals from a French government discussion paper suggesting its reorganization or dissolution. The paper outlines three reform options, including placing the EEAS under the European Commission or shifting its functions to the Council of the EU, but it is not an official French position. Kallas emphasizes the EEAS’s 'added value' amid geopolitical challenges and reaffirms its role as defined by EU treaties.
- EU countries weigh ‘tearing apart’ bloc’s diplomatic service
EU countries are considering restructuring the bloc’s diplomatic service due to leadership and coordination challenges. Chief diplomat Kaja Kallas and the European External Action Service (EEAS) face scrutiny from member state capitals.
- EU chief diplomat eyes sanctions on Russian metals, adding to pressure on Irish refinery
EU Chief Diplomat Kaja Kallas proposes sanctions on Russian metals, targeting the Aughinish Alumina refinery in Ireland, which supplies materials to Russia. Ireland faces pressure to support the 22nd sanctions package despite economic concerns over the refinery’s 500 jobs and potential energy grid impacts.
- EU targets Russian economy and soldiers in newest sanction package
The European Union introduced its 21st sanctions package against Russia, targeting banking, energy, and trade sectors to weaken its economy. The measures include barring former or current Russian soldiers from entering the EU, sanctioning 31 Russian banks and 20 third-country banks, and restricting exports to Russia's military industry. Belarus is also targeted due to its customs union with Russia.
- Can Ireland defend its trade with Russia?
Ireland faces scrutiny over a Russian-owned refinery on its soil exporting alumina to Russia, a material linked to Moscow’s industrial and military supply chains. The EU’s top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, is visiting Dublin amid this issue as Ireland prepares to assume the EU’s rotating Council presidency.
- EU Chief Hails Armenia PM’s Ruling Party Win
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen congratulated Armenian PM Nikol Pashinyan after his party Civil Contract won 49.8% in the election, ahead of Samvel Karapetyan's 23.3%. Kaja Kallas praised the vote as a step toward a 'European future' despite Russian pressure.
- Kallas Says Ukraine’s Deep Strikes Are Causing ‘Panic’ in the Kremlin
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas stated that Ukraine’s deep strikes inside Russia are causing panic in the Kremlin, leading Moscow to escalate attacks on Ukrainian civilians. Kallas emphasized targeting Russia’s oil revenues and military industry through sanctions while increasing support for Kyiv.
- Ukraine drone strikes causing ‘panic’ for Kremlin, EU’s Kallas says
Ukrainian drone strikes inside Russia are causing panic for the Kremlin, according to EU top diplomat Kaja Kallas, who noted increased Russian attacks against Kyiv. The strikes targeted energy and military sites in St Petersburg during a conference hosted by Russian President Vladimir Putin.
- Kallas Says Limits Demanded From Ukraine Must Be ‘Mirrored’ to Russia
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas stated that Russia should face the same military restrictions it demands from Ukraine in any peace agreement, calling Moscow's conditions 'maximalist' and highlighting security concerns over Russian troops in Georgia and Moldova.
- Ukraine: EU's Kallas warns against Russian mediator 'trap'
EU's top diplomat Kaja Kallas warns member states against falling into a Russian 'trap' during future Ukraine negotiations as foreign ministers meet in Cyprus. The warning highlights concerns over potential manipulation in peace talks.
- Kaja Kallas warns against walking into Russian ‘trap’ as EU ministers meet for talks – Europe live
EU chief diplomat Kaja Kallas warns against falling into a Russian 'trap' during EU ministerial talks, emphasizing the need for strategic focus over personalities. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is set to meet Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, where Sweden may announce donating JAS 39 Gripen fighter jets to Ukraine and negotiating the sale of newer models.
- US Embassy Refutes Claims of Exit From Kyiv
The US Embassy in Kyiv denied reports of evacuating the city following Russian threats of missile strikes. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas initially suggested the embassy had left, but Ukrainian officials confirmed it remains operational.