In a candid moment that captured the sombre mood in Brussels, the European Union's top diplomat has suggested the dire state of global politics might be the perfect time to reach for a drink.
A Dark-Humoured Remark in a Downbeat Meeting
According to a report by Politico, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas made the quip during a private meeting with leaders of the European Parliament on Wednesday. Addressing the Conference of Presidents, which brings together MEPs leading the Parliament's political groups, the former Estonian prime minister joked that while she is not much of a drinker, current world events could drive her to alcohol.
The atmosphere in the meeting was reportedly downbeat, reflecting the immense pressure on the 27-member bloc. The EU's consensus-based system, which requires coordination among all member states, often struggles to keep pace with rapidly evolving international crises.
Mounting Global Crises Test European Unity
Kallas's comments came on a day packed with diplomatic tension. Greenland and Denmark's foreign ministers were holding talks with US Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, following threats from President Donald Trump to take control of the vast Arctic island.
This situation adds to an already daunting list of challenges confronting the EU, which includes:
- The ongoing war in Ukraine, exacerbated by Trump's recent accusation that President Volodymyr Zelensky is blocking a peace deal, not Russia's Vladimir Putin.
- US military operations in Venezuela.
- Mass uprisings and a violent crackdown on protesters in Iran.
European influence has also been sidelined in recent Ukraine peace negotiations, further raising tensions.
Lightening the Mood and Looming Sanctions
Following Kallas's remark about drinking, others at the meeting joined in to lighten the mood. Latvia's foreign minister recommended Obdo Riga gin on social media, while Finnish MEP Mika Aaltola suggested an extra-strong beer from Finland, adding, "If you really have to."
Amidst the dark humour, serious policy was also on the agenda. Kallas indicated that the EU is preparing new sanctions against Iran in response to its violent suppression of protests. A proposal is expected to be ready for a meeting of EU foreign ministers on January 29, with reports suggesting the package could be presented to member states imminently.
The measures would build on existing asset freezes and travel bans under the EU's human rights sanctions regime. However, Kallas revealed to MEPs that some member states are resisting calls to designate Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organisation, a step the European Parliament has urged. While she did not name the countries, Italy and France have been reported as opposing the plan.
The episode underscores the immense strain on EU diplomats as they navigate a fractured global landscape, where humour sometimes serves as a brief respite from a relentless series of geopolitical fires.
