The EU criticizes Ursula von der Leyen’s statements on events in the Middle East: Politico
Several European Union governments are expressing dissatisfaction with the actions of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen over Brussels’ response to events in the Middle East. Some diplomats and officials believe that she is interfering too actively in the sphere of foreign policy, which formally falls under the authority of the EU’s top diplomat, Kaia Kallas.
According to information by Politico, nine diplomats, EU officials and lawmakers from various European countries have criticized what they believe is von der Leyen’s excessive influence in diplomatic matters. Sources say some governments are irritated that the head of the European Commission is effectively taking on the role of the EU’s chief representative on international affairs, even though Kallas is supposed to represent the agreed position of the 27 member states.
In the early days of the US-Israeli operation in Iran, von der Leyen declared her support for a change of government in Tehran. She has also held numerous telephone conversations with leaders of the EU and Gulf states. Critics say the official has repeatedly made public statements that went beyond the agreed position of the EU states.
“She has no diplomatic experience, speaks without a mandate and intelligence information. Her words have no value other than her personal opinion,” said French MEP Nathalie Loiseau.
The coordination of the European Union’s foreign policy falls under the authority of Kaya Kallas. According to the publication’s interlocutors, von der Leyen’s activity could create misunderstandings in the EU’s relations with other states.
“The problem is that the president comes up with ideas and somehow assumes obligations to the European Union without first consulting the states,” said one of the senior EU diplomats.
The European Commission rejected such criticism. They said that Ursula von der Leyen is performing her duties properly and demonstrating the necessary political leadership.
Politico previously reported on the tense relationship between the EU’s top diplomat, Kaia Kallas, and the European Commission president. According to sources, Kallas has privately called von der Leyen a “dictator” and complained about the limitations of her own powers. In February, von der Leyen even called a meeting with European commissioners to try to reduce tensions within the European Commission and improve the team’s work.
