Kaja Kallas has been caught in a political whirlwind after an informal document linked to the French government floated several ideas to drastically revamp her position of High Representative, the European Union's foreign policy chief.
The paper pitches three options, one of which would strengthen her portfolio and expand her competencies into trade and economic development. The other two options, however, would severely weaken her role by shifting powers either to the European Commission, led by Ursula von der Leyen, or to the member states.
Amid the damaging headlines, Kallas opened the door for a fresh debate but made it clear that, at the end of the day, the EU treaties, which establish the substance of the High Representative's mandate, will have the final say.
"It is important to recall that the roles and responsibilities of the EU institutions are clearly defined in the treaties. That framework remains unchanged," Kallas said in an internal email sent to staff and seen by Euronews.
The French paper landed at a time when the critics of Kallas were becoming increasingly vocal about their dissatisfaction with her performance. The High Representative has ruffled feathers for her comments on China, for insisting on using Russia's immbolised assetsto support Ukraine, for her strained ties with the US administration, and for tabling ambitious plans without prior consultation with capitals.
