Kallas against Franco-German reform: The problem is not the treaties, but the implementation

The European Union's foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, has rejected the idea that a deep institutional reform is the solution to making EU foreign policy more effective, arguing that the main problem lies in the way existing rules are implemented.

Her statement comes at a time when France and Germany have proposed a broad reform of the European External Action Service (EEAS), a structure headed by Kallas, writes Politico . 

The Franco-German proposal aims, among other things, to strengthen Kallas' role by giving her oversight of the European Commission's units dealing with foreign affairs. At the same time, the plan envisages changes to the way foreign policy decisions are made, including the removal of member states' veto rights in this area.

But Kallas does not seem to see institutional reform as the main problem.

After discussions among EU foreign ministers in Wicklow, Ireland, she said that the majority of ambassadors had supported the current framework of the EEAS.

"The problem is not the treaties or the institutional framework. The problem is their implementation ," Kallas declared.

The debate has also become more complicated due to the growing role of the European Commission itself in foreign policy matters. The creation of new structures covering regions and international issues has led to discussions on the boundaries of competences between the Commission and the EEAS.

The document drafted by France and Germany proposes that some of these structures be placed under Kallas' supervision, including areas such as migration, trade and development aid.

Kallas argues that such responsibility has already been given to it through EU treaties and legal acts, but that the problem lies in their practical implementation.

Her position is unique within European structures. Kallas is both the EU's High Representative for Foreign Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, tasked with coordinating the positions of the 27 member states on international affairs.

In this context, Kallas warned against a further concentration of powers in the Commission.

" If someone is above me and actually makes the decisions, then that's not how it works," she said.

The debate is expected to continue as the EU faces an increasingly complex international environment, budgetary constraints and the need for a more coordinated foreign policy.