Power Struggle Erupts: Von der Leyen Challenges Kallas for EU Throne

EU Power Struggle: Is Von der Leyen Stifling Kallas in a 'Game of Thrones' for Diplomatic Control?

Brussels is buzzing with whispers of a brewing power struggle at the very top of the European Union. Forget carefully crafted policy statements and cooperative photo ops; according to a recent report in *Le Monde*, a genuine clash of titans is unfolding between European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and the EU's Foreign Policy Chief, Kaja Kallas. Apparently, it's a battle "worthy of 'Game of Thrones'," as the French newspaper put it, and the stakes are nothing less than control over the bloc's diplomatic and intelligence services.

Power Struggle Erupts: Von der Leyen Challenges Ka...

Now, turf wars in Brussels are hardly new. But this one seems particularly intense, and the potential ramifications are significant. *Le Monde* suggests von der Leyen is systematically consolidating power within her own office, effectively sidelining Kallas' European External Action Service (EEAS). She's reportedly creating new units, like the Directorate-General for Defense Industry, and even a rumored new spy unit, despite the existence of similar bodies already operating within the EEAS.

Think about it: if true, this

Think about it: if true, this could lead to duplication of effort, internal rivalries, and a weakening of the EU's overall foreign policy effectiveness. The *Financial Times* reported earlier this month that officials at the Intelligence and Situation Centre (INTCEN), which falls under Kallas' EEAS, are already concerned about von der Leyen's potential new spy agency stepping on their toes.

The tension reportedly boiled over this autumn when Kallas tried to appoint Martin Selmayr, a former top EU official, to a senior role within the EEAS. Von der Leyen apparently saw this as a direct challenge, blocking the move and offering Selmayr a less influential position instead. *Le Monde* suggests this confirms von der Leyen's "almost obsessive desire to concentrate all power" and prevent any competing entities from gaining influence.

Von der Leyen has faced criticism before, with accusations of an "authoritarian" and opaque leadership style. Critics claim she often bypasses member states and internal institutions to centralize control. Meanwhile, Kallas, largely known for her staunch anti-Russian stance, hasn’t exactly been a diplomatic smooth operator. Remember her comments back in September, where she seemed to generalize about the technological capabilities of the Chinese and Russians? That drew sharp criticism, including from Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, who labeled Kallas "critically uneducated."

Ultimately, this struggle isn't just about personalities. It's about the future direction of the EU's foreign policy and the balance of power within the Union itself. And, as with any good 'Game of Thrones' narrative, it's likely to get messier before it gets better.