EU’s Kallas Warns of Global Instability Amid US Withdrawal

European Union foreign policy chief **Ursula von der Leyen** has expressed deep concerns regarding the state of global order and the implications of the United States’ withdrawal from its traditional role on the world stage. Speaking at the **Paris Peace Forum**, she highlighted the challenges posed by ongoing conflicts and the erosion of international law.

Kallas articulated that international law is facing significant threats, emphasizing, “I think international law is under heavy fire, if we look at what is happening in the world.” She pointed out that the **United Nations Charter** explicitly prohibits attacks on sovereignty and territorial integrity, yet numerous conflicts persist globally. This situation endangers smaller nations, which rely on international law for protection against aggression from larger neighbors. “If you think this doesn’t concern you right now, then it’s just a matter of time,” Kallas warned, stressing the need to uphold a world order where “might does not make right.”

Concerns regarding the United States’ retreat from its global commitments, particularly under the previous administration, were clearly articulated by Kallas. She noted, “If we look at the bigger picture, it is clear that United States has withdrawn its help, and all the countries in the world are behind our doors asking us to fill the void.” Kallas underscored the limitations faced by European taxpayers, stating, “We can’t fill the void that America is leaving behind.”

At the forum, discussions also centered on the crisis in **Sudan**, where Kallas condemned the actions of the **Rapid Support Forces** and the ethnic cleansing occurring in the country. “The situation in Sudan is unbearable and it doesn’t have the attention in the media that other conflicts have,” she remarked. Kallas called for warring parties to cease hostilities, highlighting the immense human suffering involved. “We are the biggest provider of humanitarian aid, but everybody should understand that for stability, for prosperity, for investments, you need peace.”

The **Gaza** conflict also received attention, with Kallas acknowledging the EU’s divided stance. She focused on the bloc’s ongoing efforts to stabilize the situation, stating, “The ceasefire was very much waited for, as was the release of hostages, but it was clear that it was the first phase.” Kallas emphasized the importance of international support for sustainable peace, noting the EU’s missions such as **EUPOL COPPS** and **EUBAM Rafah**, aimed at strengthening Palestinian law enforcement and border management.

In a broader context, Kallas is a strong advocate for international trade agreements, particularly the **Mercosur** deal between the EU and Latin American countries. She argued that the economic needs of Europe necessitate access to new markets, with Mercosur representing a significant opportunity for trade involving **700 million** people. Recognizing concerns from French farmers, Kallas mentioned that the EU has introduced safeguards to address these issues.

On the topic of **Ukraine**, Kallas reaffirmed her support for the country’s integration into EU defense initiatives. She addressed apprehensions among EU member states about the EU Commission’s role in defense projects, clarifying, “Actually the leadership on this is with the member states.” Kallas highlighted the collaboration potential among member states for large-scale projects, stating that the EU aims to coordinate these efforts rather than overstep its mandate.

Kallas recently visited Ukraine, where she was impressed by the innovation in the country’s defense industry, particularly in drone technology. “The innovation they are doing is very impressive, and also how fast they are able to produce drone interceptors,” she noted. By learning from Ukraine’s experiences, Kallas believes the EU can enhance its defense capabilities without reinventing existing technologies.

The discussions at the Paris Peace Forum reflect the urgent need for cohesive international responses to growing global instability and the challenges faced by both humanitarian efforts and geopolitical alliances. Kallas’s remarks underscore the EU’s commitment to addressing these issues while navigating the complexities of international relations in a rapidly changing world.