The European Union must support Ukraine “as long as necessary”, said the future head of European diplomacy, Kaja Kallas, on Tuesday.
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“We must continue to work every day. Today, tomorrow and for as long as necessary and with as much military, financial and humanitarian aid as necessary,” she declared to MEPs on Tuesday in Brussels.
The former Estonian Prime Minister was appointed in June by the 27 heads of state and government of the EU to replace the Spaniard Josep Borrell at the head of European diplomacy. It must still receive the approval of the European Parliament at the end of its hearing on Tuesday, but there is little doubt about the green light from MEPs.
The 47-year-old former Estonian leader is expected to take office in December. In addition to the functions of head of European diplomacy, she was also appointed vice-president of the European Commission, like her predecessor. Its mandate, like that of the rest of the Commission, is five years.
“It’s not going to be an easy five years,” she admitted. “I see coalitions of autocrats forming around us and threatening geopolitical upheavals taking place across the world,” she warned MEPs.
“We must be aware that there is a threat and respond appropriately with our closest allies and partners without giving in on our values,” she added.
Asked about Donald Trump’s return to the White House, she insisted on her desire to meet with him and his team to “develop common policies.”
“The EU and the United States are stronger and more secure when we work together,” she stressed.
