In a strong message to Beijing, the European Union’s incoming foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has declared that China should face “a higher cost” for its support of Russia in the ongoing war against Ukraine. Kallas, who previously served as Estonia’s prime minister, made these remarks during a three-hour hearing before the European Parliament prior to assuming her new role.
Prioritizing Ukraine’s Victory
Emphasizing the EU’s commitment to Ukraine, Kallas stated, “Victory of Ukraine is a priority for us all; the situation on the battlefield is very difficult.” She urged continuous efforts to provide Ukraine with the necessary military, financial, and humanitarian aid for as long as needed. Kallas also suggested that supporting Ukraine aligns with U.S. interests, especially if Washington is concerned about China’s growing influence.
Engaging with the New U.S. Administration
Addressing the incoming administration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, Kallas acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding his plans but stressed the importance of EU-U.S. communication. “If the US is worried about China, or other actors, then they should also be worried about how we respond … [to] Russia’s war against Ukraine, because we see how Iran, North Korea, China – more covertly – and Russia are working together,” she noted.
“I don’t think anybody really knows what the new president-elect is doing.”
– Kaja Kallas on engaging with the Trump administration
A Shift in European Defense Strategy
Kallas called for a “drastic change of mindset” in European defense, emphasizing that the West “cannot accept” that adversaries like Russia, Iran, and North Korea outpace the Euro-Atlantic community in ammunition production. She also highlighted the need for closer security cooperation with the United Kingdom post-Brexit.
Navigating Complex Global Relationships
When questioned about the EU’s response to authoritarian states supporting Russia, Kallas maintained that China should face “consequences” and “a higher cost” for its assistance to Moscow. However, she did not provide specifics on potential measures. Kallas also expressed support for discussing Iran’s role with EU foreign ministers but sidestepped queries about designating Iran’s Revolutionary Guard as a terrorist organization, a contentious issue among member states.
Priorities and Personal Background
Along with the war in Ukraine, Kallas identified the situation in the Middle East as an “urgent” priority. She backed a two-state solution and condemned attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure. Kallas also briefly touched on her childhood in Soviet-occupied Estonia, suggesting her background could help foster a “partnership of equals” with African governments wary of former colonial powers.
“Russia has never lost its last colonial war. We have to do everything that they will lose it now.”
– Kaja Kallas, citing historian Timothy Snyder
Balancing EU Defense and Cooperation
While advocating for strengthening Europe’s defense industry, Kallas cautioned against duplicating NATO’s military role to avoid potential gaps in coverage. She faced several questions from far-right MEPs on Ukraine, some casting doubt on Ukraine’s prospects for victory. In response, Kallas argued that agreements bringing only short-term peace would lead to more wars, drawing parallels to the 2015 Minsk agreement following Russia’s annexation of Crimea.
As Kaja Kallas steps into her new role as the EU’s foreign policy chief, her remarks signal a more assertive stance towards China and a steadfast commitment to Ukraine. However, the challenges of coordinating the diverse views of 27 member states while leading the EU’s diplomatic efforts will test her resolve. The coming months will reveal how Kallas navigates these complex geopolitical waters and shapes the EU’s foreign policy in an increasingly turbulent world.
