EU's Kallas forms group of ex-political, military leaders on defense
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas announced a new high-level group of former political and military leaders tasked with exploring how Europe can strengthen its defense. The body is set to launch next week.
Kaja Kallas, the European Union's chief diplomat, announced on Tuesday the creation of a new advisory body bringing together former political and military leaders from the EU, the United Kingdom and Ukraine. She revealed the plan at the opening of an informal meeting of defense ministers in Ireland.
The group's task will be to consider how the bloc can better defend itself as the United States' military presence and role in Europe shifts. Kallas, who oversees foreign and security policy on behalf of the EU's 27 member states, said NATO remains the cornerstone of European security, but noted that Washington is pressing European allies to take on greater responsibility for their own defense.
The former Estonian prime minister explained that former leaders were chosen for the group precisely because they can speak more freely than official EU institutions are able to. She said the group's purpose is not to replicate American defense capabilities, but rather to focus on defending European territory by drawing on the continent's own distinct strengths.
Kallas added that the group would also draw on Ukraine's extensive operational combat experience to challenge conventional thinking on defense strategy. A spokesperson for Kallas has not yet disclosed which individuals will join the group. The new body is expected to be formally launched next week.
