European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has expressed concern over a potential shift in the global order, citing the growing influence of China, Russia, Belarus and North Korea.
Speaking to the Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland, Kallas stated she is “deeply troubled” by the ongoing changes she perceives in the international system. She highlighted the recent Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit, featuring China, Russia, North Korea and Belarus, as illustrative of a concerted effort by these nations to establish a world order dictated by power and force.
Kallas outlined Europe’s proposed response: a need for faster decision-making and a more unified front within the EU to effectively safeguard its interests. She suggested a “carrots and sticks” approach, where cooperation with Europe would benefit partners through access to European funds, while a refusal to collaborate would result in consequences.
The foreign policy chief cautioned against dismissing the rules-based international order, emphasizing strong global support for its preservation. She particularly noted the importance of this order for smaller nations, which rely on binding rules and regulations. Kallas stated that Europe is being closely watched as a proponent of freedom, democracy and free trade, asserting that the EU is not alone in this effort.
