Key facts
- Former EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell accused the European Commission of overstepping its mandate in diplomacy and defense.
- Borrell stated the Commission's actions create a 'mess' and confusion regarding who speaks for Europe globally.
- He argued that the Commission represents only itself, not the EU, in foreign policy matters, contrasting with the EEAS and national capitals.
- Borrell cited the EU treaty, asserting the Commission's external representation excludes common foreign and security policy.
- He criticized the creation of a defense commissioner role, stating it encroaches on the High Representative's responsibilities.
Former top EU diplomat Josep Borrell has sharply criticized the European Commission, accusing it of overstepping its mandate in foreign policy and defense, thereby creating a 'mess' in the EU's global representation. In an interview with POLITICO, Borrell argued that the Commission's expanding role blurs the lines with the European External Action Service (EEAS), the EU's diplomatic arm, and national capitals, which he believes should retain primary control over foreign affairs.
Borrell, who led the EEAS from 2019 until late 2024, stated that the Commission "doesn't speak representing the European Union; the Commission represents only the Commission." He pointed to the EU treaty, which designates the Commission to ensure external representation but explicitly excludes common foreign and security policy, a domain he asserts belongs to member states.
He cited recent events, such as Mediterranean Commissioner Dubravka Šuica's meeting with Israeli officials shortly after Israel's foreign minister cut ties with the current EEAS head, Kaja Kallas, as evidence of the Commission's overreach. Borrell questioned the authority of a commissioner to speak for the EU on sensitive geopolitical issues when the EU's chief diplomat is effectively banned from Israel.
The former diplomat also drew parallels to defense policy, criticizing the appointment of the first-ever defense commissioner, Andrius Kubilius, and his mission to build a 'European Defence Union.' Borrell contended that this task, like foreign policy, is intergovernmental and should fall under the purview of the High Representative, warning that the Commission's attempts to act as a 'shadow Pentagon' will lead to unavoidable conflict and require clarification.
Borrell's comments represent a significant public rebuke of a long-standing institutional struggle within the EU, particularly under Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. He recalled past instances of institutional tension, including the formation of the EU-U.S. Trade and Technology Council, where the High Representative was not included as a member.