Kaja Kallas, the former Prime Minister of Estonia, has been nominated as the new EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs, succeeding Josep Borrell.

Her confirmation hearings in the European Parliament are scheduled for November, where she will seek approval from Members of the European Parliament (MEPs).

Kallas emphasizes that strengthening security and defense is a top priority for Europe, particularly in light of ongoing global threats.

She identifies Russia's war against Ukraine as a pressing global concern that requires immediate attention and action from the EU.

Reflecting her background as a former Soviet republic, Kallas has consistently advocated for strong support for Ukraine.

Kallas warns of threats posed by countries like Russia, Iran, North Korea, and China, which seek to exploit the openness of European societies.

Experts suggest that her views indicate a trend for the EU to align more closely with US narratives and policies regarding China.

In her 21-page response to lawmakers, Kallas outlined her vision for Europe's foreign policy amidst a complex geopolitical landscape.

She plans to propose a manual on the future of European defense within the first 100 days of her mandate, focusing on necessary investments and long-term strategies.

Kallas also stresses the importance of the EU leading humanitarian efforts in the Middle East and pursuing a just and comprehensive peace.

In her written responses, she highlighted the urgent need to enhance the EU's defense capabilities in response to current global challenges.

The ongoing conflict in Ukraine remains a major concern, particularly for Estonia, which shares a border with Russia.