Estonian Premier Kallas resigns to become EU’s top diplomat

By Leila Nezirevic

LONDON (AA) – Estonia’s Prime Minister Kaja Kallas submitted her resignation to President Alar Karis on Monday to become the High Representative of the European Commission for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy later this year.

Kallas is expected to replace Josep Borrell of Spain, who has served as the EU foreign policy chief since 2019.

“It has been a time full of crises, the milestones (such as) the coronavirus, the economic recession and the war in Europe, when Russia destroyed our previous security picture with its aggression in Ukraine,” Karis said in a statement.

Estonia’s first female prime minister has been one of Europe’s most vocal backers of Kyiv following the Russia’s war on Ukraine in Feb. 2022.

The 47-years-old will remain head of the government until the new coalition is sworn in.

Kallas has held the role of prime minister since 2021 and led three consecutive governments. She will also step down as Reform Party chairperson later this summer.

Last month Estonia’s ruling party unanimously nominated Climate Minister Kristen Michal to replace outgoing leader Kallas as prime minister of the Baltic country.

President Karis has launched talks with representatives from all political parties in the Riigikogu, or parliament, to start the process of forming Estonia's next government, according to national broadcaster ERR.

"Estonia needs a government that governs and makes decisions that help to boost the economy, safeguard our security and thereby ensure the security and well-being of the Estonian people," he was quoted as saying by the broadcaster.

Negotiations are already underway between Reform, SDE, Eesti 200 to continue the current power union with new government expected to likely take office at the start of August, according to ERR.

Kallas was nominated as the EU's top diplomat in June; however, her role will be confirmed at a hearing on July 18.