Member countries of the European Union are considering the possibility of large-scale reforms in the EU's diplomatic service.
Modern.az reports that "Financial Times" newspaper published information about this, citing sources.
According to the information, the discussions are being held against the background of dissatisfaction with the activities of the European External Action Service (EEAS) and its head, Kaja Kallas.
One of the newspaper's interlocutors stated that the existing system does not meet the demands of the modern world.
“The European External Action Service is not working as it should. The system is not functional. The problem is structural, and for this reason, the structure must be rebuilt,” the source emphasized.
According to sources, EU countries are considering the possibility of limiting some of the powers of Kaja Kallas and the institution she leads, which has an annual budget of 1 billion euros. Even the option of transferring some functions of the EEAS directly to member states is being discussed.
The newspaper writes that among the proposals put forward by France are limiting the independence of the head of EU diplomacy and reducing his control over representations operating in various countries of the world.
Sources stated that as a result of these changes, the continuation of the European External Action Service's activities in its current format may be questioned.
At the same time, some member states believe that the reforms to be carried out in the EEAS will allow reducing the bureaucratic burden in Brussels and additional financial savings.
According to the publication, a number of European capitals believe that there are currently problems of duplication of powers and coordination between the EEAS, the foreign ministries of the member countries, as well as the European Commission and the foreign relations structures of the EU Council.
Sources note that the numerous crises faced by the European Union in recent years have forced EU officials to re-evaluate the effectiveness of the EEAS in coordinating operational decisions.
In addition, some officials also state that Kaja Kallas sometimes puts her personal position forward in matters that should be agreed upon with member countries.
