The European Union must support Ukraine "for as long as necessary," declared Kaja Kallas, the incoming EU foreign affairs chief, on Tuesday.
"We must continue to work every day, today, tomorrow, and for as long as needed, with as much military, financial, and humanitarian aid as necessary," she told MEPs in Brussels on Tuesday.
The former Estonian Prime Minister was nominated in June by the 27 EU heads of state and government to replace Spaniard Josep Borrell as the head of the European External Action Service, the diplomatic service of the EU. She still needs approval from the European Parliament following her Tuesday hearing, but her endorsement is expected to pass without issue.
The 47-year-old is set to assume her duties in December. In addition to her role as EU foreign affairs chief, she has also been appointed Vice-President of the European Commission, like her predecessor. Her term, along with the rest of the Commission, will last five years.
"These will not be five easy years," she acknowledged. "I see coalitions of autocrats forming around us and threatening geopolitical upheavals worldwide," she warned MEPs.
"We must be aware of the threat and respond appropriately with our closest allies and partners without compromising our values,” she added.
When asked about the potential return of Donald Trump to the White House, she expressed her willingness to meet him and his team to "develop common policies."
"The EU and the United States are stronger and more secure when we work together," she emphasised.
