EU Power Struggle: Von der Leyen vs. Kallas on Iran & Foreign Policy
Brussels – A growing rift between European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas is exposing an underlying power struggle within the EU’s foreign policy apparatus, according to multiple sources within the bloc. The tensions surfaced in the wake of the recent U.S. And Israeli strikes on Iran, revealing a disconnect in coordinating the EU’s response to a rapidly escalating crisis.
The immediate catalyst was the EU’s reaction to the military actions in Iran. While von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa jointly issued a statement early Saturday morning , calling for “maximum restraint,” Kallas preempted their announcement by releasing her own statement a half-hour earlier, outlining diplomatic solutions. Sources indicate that von der Leyen and Kallas did not speak directly to each other over the weekend, despite the flurry of diplomatic activity.
“The rivalry between Kaja Kallas and Ursula von der Leyen is evident,” stated Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, chair of the European Parliament’s defense and security committee. “It reflects a division of competences in European foreign policy that is not always clearly balanced.”
Historically, the EU’s external representation has rested with the High Representative – currently Kallas – and the European External Action Service (EEAS), whose mandate is institutionally distinct from that of the Commission. However, as geopolitical crises increasingly intersect with core EU policy areas such as migration, energy, and supply chains, the balance of influence is shifting. Since the beginning of her second term, von der Leyen has deliberately expanded the Commission’s role in foreign policy, notably with the creation of a new Directorate-General for the Middle East and North Africa (DG MENA). This expansion has fueled concerns within the European Parliament regarding institutional ambiguity and overlapping responsibilities.
“Our partners in the world are right – they often don’t know who to turn to,” Nacho Sánchez Amor, a Member of the European Parliament, told Politico. The situation highlights a broader challenge for Brussels: in a period of international crises, the EU is grappling not only with projecting influence externally but likewise with clarifying lines of authority internally.
The dynamic between von der Leyen and Kallas is not simply a personal rivalry, but a symptom of a deeper structural issue within the EU’s foreign policy framework. The Commission, with its substantial financial and regulatory powers, naturally seeks a greater role in shaping the EU’s response to global events. However, member states, and the High Representative acting on their behalf, traditionally view foreign policy as a matter of national sovereignty and intergovernmental cooperation. Von der Leyen’s assertive approach, particularly in areas traditionally handled by the EEAS, is perceived by some as an encroachment on the High Representative’s authority and a challenge to the established order.
This tension was further underscored by von der Leyen’s swift reaction to the initial strikes on Iran. According to reports, she was the first European leader to issue a statement, describing the developments as “greatly concerning.” She subsequently published twelve posts on X (formerly Twitter) related to Iran and engaged in discussions with at least twelve EU and Gulf leaders, including the Crown Princes of Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. Notably, she was also the first European leader to call for a “credible transition” in Iran – a position that, while aligning with the United States and Israel, has not been formally endorsed by the 27 member states.
The Commission President’s actions have drawn criticism from those who view them as a “foreign policy power grab,” despite the Commission’s limited formal diplomatic powers. Critics argue that von der Leyen’s proactive stance risks undermining the EU’s ability to present a unified front and complicates efforts to coordinate a coherent response to the crisis. The convening of a “special Security College” meeting, bringing together all 27 Commissioners – including those with portfolios not traditionally focused on security – further illustrates the Commission’s attempt to assert its influence in the foreign policy arena.
The situation in Iran is not an isolated incident. Analysts point to a pattern of von der Leyen increasingly stepping into foreign policy areas traditionally reserved for others, including the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, and the recent U.S. Tariffs on the EU. This trend raises questions about the future of the EU’s foreign policy decision-making process and the balance of power between the Commission, the High Representative, and the member states.
The lack of clear communication between von der Leyen and Kallas, as reported over the weekend, is particularly concerning. Effective foreign policy requires close coordination and a unified message. When senior officials operate in silos, it weakens the EU’s credibility and diminishes its ability to act as a coherent geopolitical actor. The current situation underscores the urgent need for a clearer delineation of responsibilities and improved communication channels within the EU’s foreign policy apparatus.
On , von der Leyen stated she had spoken with Jordan’s King Abdullah, reaffirming Europe’s “full solidarity” with Jordan following the Iranian strikes. This engagement highlights the EU’s concern about the broader regional implications of the escalating conflict and the potential for further instability. However, it also underscores the importance of a coordinated approach, led by the High Representative, to address the complex challenges facing the region.
The unfolding events in Iran are testing the EU’s foreign policy capabilities and exposing the internal divisions that hinder its ability to act decisively on the world stage. Resolving the power struggle between von der Leyen and Kallas, and establishing a clearer framework for foreign policy decision-making, will be crucial for the EU to effectively navigate the increasingly turbulent geopolitical landscape.