Kallas: Keeping EU's joint diplomatic service cheaper than weakening it

European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas, together with the newly appointed Secretary-General of the European External Action Service (EEAS), Kaja Ollongren, have launched a campaign to persuade the governments of the bloc's 27 member states that weakening the EU's separate diplomatic service would not deliver the savings some expect.

The development was reported by Euractiv, according to European Pravda. Kallas and Ollongren told staff they would raise the issue directly with member state governments. Ollongren has already begun a tour of European capitals to argue that keeping the EEAS intact would be cheaper and more rational than diminishing its role.

The case for the service

Their central argument is that a strong shared network of 145 EU delegations worldwide allows the bloc to act collectively while avoiding unnecessary duplication among 27 national diplomatic services that vary widely in size and tradition.

Kallas noted that since all member states are currently facing difficult budget situations, they genuinely want assurance that no duplication is taking place. In recent months, the EU's top diplomat has resisted a German-led plan to fold the EEAS, which employs 5,000 staff, into the European Commission.

Kallas argued that if national governments are truly seeking savings, then negotiations on the EU's next long-term budget should reinforce rather than undermine her case for preserving the service. Kallas and Ollongren have also framed keeping the EEAS as the more cost-effective option for a Europe confronted with fraying transatlantic ties, pressure from both the United States and China, and the threat posed by Russia.

Background on the reform push

As previously reported, France and Germany have pushed for a major overhaul of the EEAS, including transferring some of its functions and staff to the European Commission, arguing this would eliminate duplication between EU institutions and cut costs. Kallas, for her part, has been fighting against the reform, trying to dissuade EU member state governments from backing the idea.