The candidate for the position of High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Policy and Security, Kaja Kallas, said on Tuesday during a hearing session that she would work to strengthen the security of the European Union and collaborate with neighbors who share common values and have aspirations for EU membership.
The hearing session is taking place in the European Parliament’s Foreign Policy Committee, which must confirm Kallas for the nominated position.
Kallas, the former Prime Minister of Estonia, has been appointed by EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and the EU member states to lead the EU’s foreign policy during the upcoming five-year term.
In the previous legislature, this position was held by Josep Borrell.
On Tuesday, Kallas stated that EU enlargement strengthens both the Union itself and the countries seeking membership.
According to Kallas, the EU’s magnetic force inspires countries from the Western Balkans to Eastern Europe to pursue reforms and engage in integration efforts.
“Together with the Commissioner for Enlargement, I will work with the determination to make enlargement a reality,” she said, adding that “the challenges of today’s neighbors will be our problems tomorrow.”
The countries of the Western Balkans—excluding Kosovo—as well as Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia, and Turkey are candidates for EU membership.
Kosovo has applied for membership, but its application has not yet been reviewed.
Kallas emphasized that the security of the EU is closely tied to NATO and that she would work to continue transatlantic cooperation.
According to her, the main challenges for the EU and its allies relate to the approaches of Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea, which she believes are challenging the global order.
She considered continuing support for Ukraine as a priority, and winning the war for Kyiv as essential for Europe.
The hearing session for 26 members of the European Commission will conclude on Tuesday.
EU President von der Leyen has already been confirmed.
Throughout the day, testimonies of four candidates proposed for executive vice-presidents of the European Commission will be heard.
So far, 20 candidates have completed their hearings, and all, except for the candidate from Hungary, Oliver Varhelyi, have received support.
Later in the day, the relevant committee is expected to decide on Varhelyi.
If all candidates receive support from parliamentary committees, the European Parliament will be expected to confirm the new European Commission on November 24 or 25.
In that case, the Commission will begin its mandate on December 1 of this year.
