Correspondence by Dan Alexe // Kallas in Moldova, warns against Moscow May 9 trip
Between April 23 and 24, the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, Kaja Kallas, will pay a working visit to the Republic of Moldova. Upon arrival in Chișinău on April 23, she will meet with representatives of civil society organizations.
On April 24, Kallas will meet with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mihai Popșoi. In the morning, she will inspect equipment provided to Moldova through the European Peace Facility and attend the handover of EU-funded equipment donated to the country's National Police.
"Do not go to Moscow on May 9," warned the EU's top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, after Moscow sent an official invitation to Slovakia and Serbia to participate in military celebrations marking the end of World War II on May 9, as seen by Russians and many ex-Soviets.
Admittedly, Kaja Kallas did not specify any particular consequences if some EU leaders defy her warning and attend the parade in Red Square. But such an explicit warning could already make Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico think twice before going to Moscow. Instead, Kaja Kallas urges European leaders to head to Kyiv on May 9.
Kaja Kallas also advocates for increased defense spending. Currently, 23 out of 32 NATO allies spend 2% of their gross domestic product on defense, although it is clear that what is needed is something closer to 3.5%.
Since her appointment as High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and designated Vice-President of the European Commission on December 1, 2024, the former Estonian head of government has struggled to find her place in the complex European institutional game, where she has to contend with the omnipresence of Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission.
A visit like the current one to Chișinău is seen as falling entirely within her undeniable responsibilities within the European Commission.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
