France, Germany clash over EU foreign policy chief's future role

France and Germany, the European Union's two most influential member states, are at odds over how to reform the bloc's foreign policy operations, particularly concerning the role of the EU's top diplomat, Kaja Kallas.

According to a discussion paper obtained by Politico, Paris advocates for bolstering the powers of the European External Action Service (EEAS) and its chief. This approach suggests a desire to centralize and strengthen the EU's foreign policy apparatus under the existing leadership.

However, Germany is contemplating an alternative path. Berlin's considerations include a scenario where some of Kallas's current responsibilities could be transferred to the European Commission. This suggests a potential move towards integrating foreign policy more closely with the broader executive functions of the EU, rather than solely through the EEAS.

The divergence in proposals underscores a fundamental disagreement on the future structure and authority of the EU's foreign policy leadership, even as both nations seek to enhance the bloc's global standing.