Kallas, previously the Estonian prime minister who assumed the High Representative role in December 2024, operates within multiple EU power hubs—acting as a Commission vice president under von der Leyen while also leading EU foreign ministers’ meetings and collaborating closely with member countries.
This dual role has often led to overlapping responsibilities—and sometimes territorial disputes—with the Commission president, a key figure in the center-right European People’s Party, whereas Kallas is part of the liberal Renew Europe group.
A contentious issue arose from von der Leyen’s decision to create an intelligence unit within the Commission, echoing capabilities already present in Kallas’ European External Action Service.
“In my view, we cannot simply duplicate efforts in Europe,” Kallas stated. “If something is already being done well in one place, then let it be done there.”
She admitted “institutional tensions” existed “from the very beginning,” but viewed them as an efficiency issue rather than competitive. “Europe needs to function as a single team,” she remarked, emphasizing that citizens “don’t perceive the difference” between EU institutions.
However, Kallas added: “On a personal level, we get along just fine.”
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