Brussels, Nov 12 (EFE).– The European Union’s incoming foreign policy chief Tuesday urged President-elect Donald Trump to strengthen United States-EU security ties, citing threats from Russia and China.
Kaja Kallas said the stronger EU-US ties must aim to safeguard European stability and address tensions in the South China Sea.
«We are the strongest allies, and we must remain united. If the United States is concerned about events in the South China Sea, it should also prioritize how we respond to Russia’s aggression in Ukraine. This aligns with their interests as well,» Kallas said during her European Parliament confirmation hearing.
Kallas, a former Estonian prime minister set to succeed Josep Borrell at the EU, underscored that «without China’s backing, Russia could not sustain its war with the same strength.»
She insisted that China «must also pay a steep price» for its support.
Kallas highlighted the alliances Russia has with Iran and North Korea, aiming to draw Trump’s attention to shared EU and US security concerns.
«We see Iran, North Korea, China, and Russia aligning in ways that support Russia in Ukraine and extend to destabilizing actions by Iran in the Middle East and even in Europe, like Sweden,» she said.
“It won’t be five easy years. We face a large-scale war in Europe with Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. I see autocratic coalitions forming around us and troubling geopolitical shifts worldwide.”
She identified her two “urgent priorities” as Russia’s war in Ukraine and the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
“Ukraine’s victory is a priority for all of us. The battlefield is highly challenging, so we must continue to provide military, financial, and humanitarian support for as long as it takes,” Kallas said.
She also stressed the importance of setting a “clear path for Ukraine’s EU membership.”
Kallas urged the 23 EU countries in NATO to meet the 2 percent GDP defense spending goal and reiterated her call as Estonia’s former leader for EU nations to allocate 0.25 percent of GDP toward Ukraine’s defense.
She announced plans to propose a boost for Europe’s military industry within her first 100 days. «When you need defense capabilities, it’s already too late to make decisions. We must prepare now, while we have peace.”
Kallas said NATO and the EU should cooperate but maintain distinct roles. “NATO is a defense alliance, while the EU coordinates economically. We can consider defense investment strategies and support for the defense industry.»
In terms of military crises, Kallas stressed the importance of a clear command chain and confirmed she had previously engaged with Trump’s current team, including Vice President-elect James David Vance.
Regarding the Middle East, Kallas noted the EU’s “strong unity” on key issues, including the need for an immediate ceasefire, the unconditional release of hostages held by Hamas, and continued humanitarian aid.
She reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to a two-state solution. “With our support for the Palestinian Authority and Israel’s right to exist acknowledged across the region, we have a strong foundation for diplomatic efforts to end the conflict.” EFE
drs-rja-ssk
