8 hours agoKallas: Will work to make EU enlargement come true
Periskopi(2 years ago)
(2 years ago)European Union for Foreign Policy and Security High Representative Kaya Kallas has said in a hearing Tuesday that she will commit to strengthening the security of the European bloc, and will co-operate with neighbours sharing common values, and have aspirations for membership in [...]
The hearing is under way at the European Parliament's Foreign Policy Commission, which must confirm Kallas for the nominated position.
Kallas, the former prime minister of Estonia, is appointed by EU chief Ursula von der Leyen and the bloc's member states to lead foreign policy in the next five-year term.
In the previous legislature, Josep Borrell held this position.
Kallas has said Tuesday that EU enlargement strengthens the bloc itself, but also countries aimed at membership.
According to Kallas, the attractive EU force inspires states from the Western Balkans to Eastern Europe for reforms and for commitment towards EU integration.
“S along with the Commissioner for Enlargement, I will work willingly to make enlargement a reality“, she said, adding that today's “problems of our neighbours will be our problems tomorrow“.
The countries of the Western Balkans, except Kosovo, as well as Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia and Turkey are EU membership candidates.
Kosovo has applied for membership, but its application has not yet been reviewed.
Kaya Kallas has said EU security is closely linked to NATO and will commit to continuing transatlantic co-operation.
According to her, the main challenges for the EU and allies are related to the approach of Russia, China, Iran and North Korea, countries which, according to her, are challenging world order.
It has given priority to continuing aid to Ukraine, and Kiev's victory has considered it necessary for Europe.
On Tuesday, the hearing session for 26 members of the European Commission will be concluded.
EU chief Von der Leeyen has already been confirmed.
During the day, the testimony of four candidates proposed for the European Commission's executive deputy chairman will be heard.
So far 20 candidates have concluded hearings, and all except for a candidate from Hungary, Oliver Warhely, have received support.
Later in the day, the relevant commission is expected to also decide for Varhely.
If all candidates receive the support of parliamentary commissions, then on November 24th or 25th, the European Parliament must confirm the new European Commission.
In that case, the Commission will launch its mandate on December 1st of this year. /Radio Europe Free
