Estonia's Prime Minister steps down for EU position
At the end of June, Kaja Kallas is set to be appointed as the new EU representative for External and Security Policy in Brussels. To assume the position, she is now resigning from her post as Prime Minister of Estonia.
Estonia's Prime Minister Kaja Kallas has submitted her resignation after being nominated as the new EU External Representative. In Tallinn, she handed her resignation letter to State President Alar Karis. According to Estonian constitution, her resignation automatically leads to the resignation of the entire government of the Baltic EU and NATO member state. However, she will continue to perform her duties until a new government cabinet is confirmed.
Kallas was chosen as the EU's representative for External and Security Policy at the EU summit in Brussels at the end of June. Her appointment will be officially confirmed once the European Parliament approves the entire new European Commission, as the External Representative is also a part of this body. Kallas' economic liberal Reform Party has designated Klima Minister Kristen Michal as a possible new Estonian Prime Minister and is currently in talks with its coalition partners regarding the coalition agreement.
In Estonia, a coalition government has been in power since the spring of 2023, consisting of the Reform Party, Social Democrats, and liberal party Eesti 200. State President Karis must issue a mandate for government formation and appoint the new cabinet. He announced that he intends to meet with all parties represented in parliament. "Estonia needs a government that governs and makes decisions that contribute to boosting the economy and ensuring our security," he shared.
Estonian media estimate that the new government could begin its work in early August. Estonia borders Russia. The war in Ukraine is seen as a direct threat to national security in the Baltic country in the northeastern part of Europe.
- Kaja Kallas' appointment as the EU's representative for External and Security Policy will take place in Brussels, the capital of Belgium, where the European Parliament is located.
- Despite her resignation as Prime Minister of Estonia, Kallas will temporarily continue her duties until a new government cabinet is confirmed in Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, which is a prominent city in the Baltic region.
- The European Parliament, situated in Brussels, will play a crucial role in officially approving Kallas' appointment as the EU's External Representative, as she will also serve as a part of the European Commission.
