Estonian Kallas replaces Borrell: Focus on strengthening defence against Russia

(Patria) - Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas today officially submitted her resignation request, clearing the way for her appointment to a position in Brussels.

Her resignation was accepted by President Alar Karis, who thanked Kallas for her work in a social media post.

Kallas herself also commented on the resignation, explaining in a letter to the nation that every journey has its beginning and end.

"I received an offer I cannot refuse, because Estonia has never been offered such a position before. I was told that one of my greatest strengths is that I am diligent and driven by the knowledge I inherited from my parents," said Kallas.

She also thanked all citizens of Estonia.

"I want to thank all Estonians, who are exceptionally good at navigating through all the crises that have hit us. Together we can overcome even the biggest problems. We will not give up, we will not surrender. Never," concluded Kallas.

Recall, after the European Parliament elections and the redistribution of positions, it was decided that Kaja Kallas would replace Josep Borrell in Brussels as the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs.

Kallas is, many argue, the right choice at the right time in foreign policy terms, primarily because the EU's focus over the next five years will be on strengthening defence against Russia.

Her main priority as EU foreign policy chief will be to ensure that Europeans are ready to prevent future Russian advances.

Kallas's greater challenge, experts note, will be defining a foreign policy vision in other areas, such as relations with Iran, China, and the Middle East.