The EU’s new foreign affairs chief: – The EU must be tougher on China

China must pay a higher price for supplying Russia with materials that enable them to produce weapons, Kallas maintained when she was grilled in the EU Parliament on Tuesday, according to the news agency DPA.

– Without China’s support, Russia would not be able to continue the war with the same strength, Kallas stated.

Warns against quick peace

The inquiry is part of the process of being approved. That the parliament will give the thumbs up is, however, beyond doubt after EU member states this summer stood behind the Estonian 47-year-old’s candidacy.

Kallas, who is considered a hawk on Russia, also promises to support Ukraine “as long as necessary”, as well as to build a bridge to the incoming US President Donald Trump.

At the same time, she warns against a quick peace solution in Ukraine, as Trump has said he will achieve.

It could mean that Ukraine must cede territory to Russia.

– There is a difference between peace and peace, says Kallas and points out that previous peace agreements with Russia have been broken. A quick peace could create new problems, she believes.

Must stand together

– We want a sustainable peace. Because if we just give in and tell the aggressor “ok, just take what you want”, then aggressors all over the world will be told that it can pay off, says Kallas, according to Ritzau.

She also believes that it is very important that the EU’s 27 member states, who can have rather divergent opinions on various matters, stand more united in order to give the union more geopolitical weight.

– The world is on fire, so we have to stick together, she says.

How⁤ can EU member states ensure a united stance ⁢in addressing the geopolitical challenges posed by Russia and‌ China?

**Interview​ with EU ⁣Foreign Affairs Chief, Kaja Kallas**

**Interviewer**: Thank you for joining us today, Kaja. ⁤You⁤ recently stated in the ⁤EU Parliament that “China must pay a higher price for supplying Russia with materials that enable them to produce ‍weapons.”⁣ Can you elaborate on what specific measures you ⁣believe should be taken?

**Kaja‍ Kallas**: Thank you for having me. My position is clear: without China’s support, Russia would struggle to‍ sustain its⁣ military operations in Ukraine. We must ⁢contemplate comprehensive sanctions against Chinese suppliers that facilitate this war. This isn’t just about punishment; it’s about deterring future actions that could escalate global conflicts.

**Interviewer**: You also mentioned the danger of pursuing a “quick peace” in Ukraine. What do you see as the risks involved in such an ‍approach?

**Kaja Kallas**: A quick⁤ peace might lead to compromises that undermine Ukraine’s territorial integrity. History has shown that agreements made under pressure, especially⁣ with Russia, are often broken. We want a sustainable peace, not one that simply ⁢appeases aggressors​ and encourages further expansionist behavior.

**Interviewer**: How important is it for EU member states to present a united front in these discussions regarding Russia and China?

**Kaja Kallas**: It’s‍ absolutely⁣ crucial. The world is in turmoil, and disparate opinions among EU member states can diminish our geopolitical‌ influence. If we do⁣ not stick together, we risk sending mixed messages to both allies and aggressors. Unity will enhance our bargaining ⁢power on ⁤the international stage.

**Interviewer**: As you navigate these complex geopolitical waters, what do you believe the implications are for the ⁢incoming U.S. administration’s policies regarding Russia?

**Kaja Kallas**:‌ I look forward to engaging with the incoming administration. A bridge‍ between the EU and the U.S. is essential for a coordinated response to both Russian actions and Chinese support. We need to ensure that any shifts in policy do not compromise ​the support‍ Ukraine needs⁤ right now.

**Interviewer**: this discussion‌ raises a broader question: How should democracies ⁢balance the need ⁢for strategic cooperation with the imperative to uphold international norms and standards of behavior? What⁤ do our readers think?​ Can we afford to compromise in the face of threats, or is it vital to hold all aggressors accountable, regardless of ​geopolitical interests?

**Kaja Kallas**: That’s a critical question. I believe that maintaining international standards is paramount, and our responses ⁤should reflect our values. However, achieving this balance requires careful navigation and strategic decision-making, which is why public discourse is so vital. ​I encourage readers to weigh in on⁢ these issues.