The European External Action Service (EEAS) has announced a reshuffle of its top leadership, appointing former Dutch defence minister Kajsa Ollongren as secretary general. She will be joined by Matti Maasikas and David Cvach in deputy roles, marking a clear pivot towards defence and security within the bloc's diplomatic machinery.
Ollongren, a seasoned politician from the Netherlands, brings extensive experience in defence and European affairs. Her appointment comes at a time when the EU's foreign policy apparatus faces mounting pressure to respond to geopolitical challenges, including Russia's war in Ukraine and rising instability in the Middle East. The EEAS, headquartered in Brussels, coordinates the EU's external action and represents the bloc in diplomatic negotiations worldwide.
A Defence-Focused Agenda
The new leadership team signals a strategic shift. Maasikas, a Finnish diplomat who previously served as the EU's ambassador to Ukraine, and Cvach, a Czech official with a background in security policy, both have strong credentials in defence and crisis management. This trio is expected to prioritise the EU's role in collective security, particularly in light of recent warnings from EU defence chiefs about potential Russian attacks on European soil, as highlighted in a recent report.
The appointments also coincide with broader EU efforts to bolster its defence capabilities. Member states have been increasing defence spending and exploring joint procurement initiatives, while the European Commission has proposed a new European Defence Investment Programme. The EEAS will play a key role in coordinating these efforts, especially as the bloc seeks to reduce its reliance on the United States for security guarantees.
Ollongren's background includes serving as the Netherlands' minister of defence from 2017 to 2021, during which she oversaw modernisation of the Dutch armed forces and deepened cooperation with NATO. Her experience is expected to lend credibility to the EEAS's defence agenda, which has often been criticised for lacking teeth. However, some analysts question whether the EEAS can effectively balance its traditional diplomatic functions with a more assertive defence posture, given the EU's limited military capabilities and the need for consensus among 27 member states.
The reshuffle also comes amid a broader context of political turmoil in Europe. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez is embroiled in a corruption scandal, as noted in coverage of EU defence chiefs meeting in Berlin. Meanwhile, the EU's foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, has been navigating delicate diplomatic relations with Iran, which a former US negotiator warned has emerged stronger from recent conflicts, as reported in an analysis.
The EEAS's new leadership will also have to contend with internal challenges. The service has faced criticism for bureaucratic inefficiency and a lack of strategic direction. Ollongren's appointment is seen as an attempt to inject fresh momentum, but she will need to navigate the complex politics of the EU's institutions and member states. The appointment of Maasikas, who has firsthand experience of the war in Ukraine, is particularly significant, as the EU continues to support Kyiv with military and financial aid.
In a statement, the EEAS emphasised that the new team would focus on strengthening the EU's global role, with a particular emphasis on defence and security. The appointments are effective immediately, and the trio is expected to outline their priorities in the coming weeks. As the EU faces a volatile geopolitical landscape, the new leadership will be under pressure to deliver results.
