BRUSSELS (ChatnewsTV) — Kaja Kallas, the Estonian candidate for EU High Representative/Vice-President for foreign affairs and security policy, pledged a strong stance on European security and international cooperation during a Foreign Affairs Committee hearing Tuesday. Kallas emphasized enhancing the EU’s geopolitical influence, bolstering defense, and securing partnerships worldwide to address complex global challenges.
In her opening statement, Kallas committed to “strengthening the EU’s position in the world” and prioritizing “geopolitical and economic security.” She called for increased investment in defense and highlighted cooperation with international allies as essential.
“Ukraine’s victory is a priority for the EU,” Kallas said, underscoring her commitment to sustaining military, financial, and humanitarian aid. She advocated for Ukraine’s EU accession and the broader enlargement of the EU, describing it as a “geostrategic investment” in the EU’s interests.
On migration, Kallas emphasized protecting the EU’s external borders while tackling the root causes of migration. She also addressed the EU’s dependence on China in critical sectors, describing it as “a real vulnerability” and calling for “de-risking” from Chinese influence.
Regarding defense, Kallas pointed out that Russia, Iran, and North Korea are outpacing Euro-Atlantic allies in ammunition and equipment production. She stressed the need for Europe to boost its defense capabilities, adding that such a move would serve as a deterrent, saying, “It would tell Russia, don’t even think about it, because we will fight back.”
Kallas also assured committee members that she would work closely with the next U.S. administration to maintain support for Ukraine, urging that “we are the strongest of allies and we have to keep sticking together.” She cautioned against the U.S. focusing solely on China and called for imposing costs on China for its support of Russia’s aggression.
When asked about the EU’s sanctions policy, Kallas expressed openness to making sanctions on Russia permanent, though she acknowledged that this proposal currently lacks unanimous support within the Council. Kallas also stressed that while the EU should bolster defense production, NATO should remain the primary military entity, stating, “NATO is our lead military organization, and the EU’s role is to boost the defense industry.”
Kallas reiterated the EU’s commitment to seeking an immediate ceasefire in Israel and Palestine, aiming for humanitarian aid access and working toward a two-state solution.
Following the hearing, Foreign Affairs Committee Chair David McAllister held a press point, where he confirmed that committee leaders would soon assess Kallas’s qualifications. The Conference of Presidents is expected to finalize evaluations by November 21, with the full European Parliament vote on the new college of Commissioners set for the November 25-28 plenary session in Strasbourg.
Editor: Gabriel Ani
