On 27 June, Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas was nominated to become High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. 

During a European Council summit in Brussels, the Estonian Reform Party leader received broad backing from EU heads of state or government to take on this highly influential EU position. 

Kallas, who has spearheaded the Estonian government since 2022, will succeed Spain’s Josep Borrell in the autumn as the leader of the European External Action Service (EEAS), pending a confirmatory hearing and vote by the European Parliament in July. 

“I am honoured by the support of the European Council, this is an enormous responsibility at this moment of geopolitical tensions,” said Kallas on X. 

“The war in Europe, increasing instability in our neighbourhood and globally are the main challenges for European foreign policy. My aim will be to work on achieving EU unity, protect the EU's interests and values in the changed geopolitical context, and build global partnerships. 

“I will strive to work with all EU Member States and institutions to keep and strengthen EU unity. The next step is of course the hearing in the European Parliament - it will be my aim to now reach out to MEPs and achieve their support. 

“I am glad about the opportunity to work closely with Antonio Costa and Ursula von der Leyen - I have already worked side by side with them for several years and will continue to do so with pleasure, I have a lot of respect for them both. 

“As HRVP, I will be at the service of our common interests. Europe should be a place where people are free, safe and prosperous. My work has been and will continue to be guided by these aims.” 

Kallas was a Member of the Riigikogu (Estonian Parliament) from 2011 to 2014 and a Member of the European Parliament from 2014 to 2019. 

She returned to national politics in 2018, becoming the first female leader of any major political party in Estonia, subsequently winning two national elections.