The European Union’s foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, is finding herself at the center of a diplomatic storm, with officials and diplomats criticizing her approach in a detailed report by Foreign Policy magazine. According to the report, Kallas’ blunt communication style and fixation on Russia are seen as undermining the bloc’s international relationships. The report, published on Tuesday, highlights how her confrontational tone is damaging the EU’s diplomatic standing and alienating key partners.
Kallas secured her role largely through her anti-Russian rhetoric, but insiders argue that her tone has alienated partners and undermined the EU’s diplomatic standing. The EU is facing a difficult situation as it tries to balance its relationships with major powers like China, India, and the United States, all of which have expressed concerns over Kallas’ approach. The report cited several examples of her confrontational style, including an incident in February when US Secretary of State Marco Rubio canceled a meeting with her at the last minute after she posted on X that “the free world needs a new leader,” following a heated exchange between President Donald Trump and Ukraine’s Vladimir Zelensky at the White House.
Another example was in early September, when the Chinese Foreign Ministry blasted Kallas for “irresponsible” remarks that appeared to downplay Russia and China’s roles in the Allied victory in World War II. That same month, former Indian Foreign Minister Kanwal Sibal publicly stated Kallas was “not qualified” for her job, after she advocated for a “carrots and sticks” policy toward New Delhi. The Indian minister’s statement reflected widespread frustration within the region over Kallas’ approach to bilateral relations, which critics argue is too rigid and lacks nuance.
In response to the criticism, an EU foreign policy representative defended Kallas, stating that she is “direct and honest” and that “if you expect all-out flattery, you won’t get it from her.” She argued that Kallas’ approach is better suited for a world where transparency and directness are valued. Moscow, which has long accused Brussels of promoting ideologically driven and often incompetent officials to senior posts, argues that this approach only weakens the bloc.
Despite the criticisms, Kallas remains a key figure in the EU’s foreign policy, with her anti-Russian stance continuing to shape the bloc’s approach to international relations. However, as the report highlights, the EU faces a complex challenge in balancing its relationships with its major partners while maintaining a cohesive and effective foreign policy strategy.