Resignation of EU diplomatic service secretary-general threatens to sharpen conflict between Von der Leyen and Kallas

The possible departure of Belen Martinez Carbonell, secretary-general of the EU’s diplomatic service, could heighten tensions between European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas.

This is reported by Politico.

According to the outlet, alarming assessments of the state of the diplomatic service are already being voiced within European institutions.

“Either we save the diplomatic service and decide what to do next, or it will collapse,” one unnamed EU diplomat said.

Another representative of the body noted that the EU’s external action service is currently “in need of saving.” According to him, without additional political efforts from EU member states, the institution could lose staff and some of its powers, which would gradually transfer to the European Commission.

Among the possible successors to Carbonell, Simon Mordue, the diplomatic adviser to the head of the European Commission, is being named.

Politico previously reported that the timing of Carbonell’s possible resignation has not yet been determined. According to the outlet, she may be appointed to a new position in Latin America. Carbonell took up the post in February 2025, succeeding Stefano Sannino. The redistribution of functions was part of reforms initiated by Kaja Kallas.