- December 18, 2024
- 12:59 am
- World News
On 1 December 2024, Kaja Kallas, former Prime Minister of Estonia, took over the post of EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. Her first steps in her new position immediately evoked a positive response in both Ukraine and Israel.
Among her initiatives are the closure of Russian bases in Syria and the resumption of the work of the Association Council with Israel.
Callas' new decisions symbolize a paradigm shift in EU diplomacy and their focus on allies in Eastern Europe and the Middle East.
In the face of global challenges, Callas's policies offer hope that the EU can counter threats from authoritarian regimes by strengthening the unity of its allies.
Let's look at why these steps are important and how they will affect Ukraine, Israel and the region as a whole.
Kaja Kallas: politician with a strong position
Kaja Kallas is a politician with a long career in European and Estonian politics. Her previous positions included:
- Prime Minister of Estonia (2021–2024);
- Member of the European Parliament (2014–2018);
- Leader of the Estonian Reform Party.
Her strong stance towards Russia became noticeable back in 2021, when she was one of the first to predict a possible Russian invasion of Ukraine based on intelligence data.
Quote Callas:
“Russia does not want peace, and this must be understood. We must respond decisively to defend democracy and freedom.”
Closing Russian bases in Syria: a challenge to Moscow
One of Kallas’ key initiatives was a proposal to discuss with the new Syrian leadership the possibility of closing Russian military bases in Tartus and Khmeimim.
Why does the EU need this?
- Limiting Russia's influence in the Middle East. Russian bases are used for operations in the region, including supporting militants in Syria.
- Weakening ties between Russia and Africa. The bases serve as transit points for operations in Libya and other countries.
- Protecting allies. This is a step aimed at ensuring the security of both Israel and the EU countries.
Initiatives for Israel: a new stage of cooperation
For Israel, Callas's arrival as head of the EU foreign policy agency means a new breath in relations.
- Resumption of the Association Council with Israel. This body was a key mechanism for interaction between the EU and Israel, but its work has been frozen in recent years.
- Countering anti-Israeli sentiment. Since the Hamas attack on October 7, 2024, many European leaders have proposed scaling back relations with Israel. Callas took the opposite position, advocating increased cooperation.
Quote from an Israeli analyst:
“The return of the Association Council is not just a symbolic gesture. This is a step towards creating sustainable ties between the EU and Israel, which is especially important in the face of modern threats.”
Ukraine: supporting the struggle for freedom
Ukraine welcomed Callas with the hope that her energetic approach would breathe life into the work of the European bureaucracy. Among the key steps:
- Sanctions against Russia. In December 2024, the EU, under the leadership of Callas, approved a new package of sanctions, which included:
- 54 individuals and 30 organizations, including military units responsible for attacks on civilian targets, such as the Okhmatdit hospital in Kyiv.
- Companies transporting Russian oil.
- Support for the peacekeeping mission in Ukraine. Kallas said the EU is considering sending a peacekeeping mission to strengthen stability in the region.
Table: Main EU sanctions against Russia (December 2024)
| Scope of sanctions | Description | Number of persons/organizations |
|---|---|---|
| Military structures | Strikes against civilian targets | 10 |
| Energy | Oil and gas executives | 15 |
| Propaganda and deportation | Responsible for deception and deportation | 35 |
NAnews: important accents for Ukraine and Israel
On the website NAnews – Israel News The topic of rapprochement between Ukraine and Israel has been repeatedly raised. Today we see how international politics also contributes to this.
Kaja Kallas becomes an important figure in building a bridge between the EU, Ukraine and Israel. Its initiatives provide a chance not only to weaken Russia, but also to strengthen the positions of allies fighting for democratic values.
Conclusion
Kai Kallas's first steps as head of EU foreign policy are impressive. Its initiatives aimed at supporting Ukraine and Israel are becoming a new stage in European diplomacy.
In the face of global challenges, Callas's policies offer hope that the EU can counter threats from authoritarian regimes by strengthening the unity of its allies.
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