BRUSSELS ― Martin Selmayr, one of the EU’s most effective and feared political operators of recent times, has held talks over a job that would see him return to Brussels ― triggering criticism and dread among diplomats. Selmayr met the team of the EU’s chief diplomat Kaja Kallas this month for previously unreported talks, two officials with knowledge of the situation said. He is now in pole position for a newly created senior position inside her European External Action Service, the bloc’s foreign policy wing. Currently serving as the EU’s ambassador to the Vatican, Selmayr is said to be considering taking the job. He is weighing the offer against his current diplomatic post in Rome as well as personal considerations, according to a person familiar with his thinking. But in a bid to scupper the move, officials working for European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen have closed ranks and hatched a plan to offer him an alternative role ― special envoy for religious freedom ― with the idea of keeping him out of the political fray and away from Brussels. The plan was floated at a high-level Commission meeting on Tuesday, three officials said. The German conservative has not always had an easy relationship with the bloc’s executive, including von der Leyen and her team, diplomats and officials said. There are also tensions between von der Leyen and Kallas, they said. Asked by POLITICO whether his return would further strain relations between the Commission and the EEAS, and with national governments, Kallas said only that “we need a strong person” in the job to help ensure “Europe is a geopolitical power.” Selmayr met Kallas’ head of Cabinet, Vivian Loonela, in the lead-up to the posting of the job vacancy earlier this month, with two of the diplomats and officials expressing concern that the role had been created specifically with him in mind. “Ms. Loonela regularly meets with EU ambassadors, including a recent meeting with Martin Selmayr in Brussels,” a spokesperson for Kallas confirmed, declining to comment on whether they had discussed the role directly. ‘COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO’ The veteran German civil servant served as chief of staff to former Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker from 2014, and briefly as the institution’s secretary-general in 2019, before being cast aside when von der Leyen became president. The new role would be influential and put him in charge of relations between the diplomatic corps, European Parliament and national capitals, according to a job specification. “He will be like the Count of Monte Cristo, coming back to have his revenge against everyone here,” said one diplomat, granted anonymity to speak to POLITICO, adding that Selmayr’s hard-nosed tactics and his deep institutional network would make him invaluable to Kallas and a fearsome rival for others. Selmayr, who has declined to comment publicly so far, would nominally answer to EEAS Secretary-General Belen Carbonell, but the role would give him power to represent the department at meetings with governments, effectively replacing her on some of the most important working groups and setting the stage for future power struggles. During his time as Jean-Claude Juncker’s chief of staff, Martin Selmayr riled the hierarchy with his uncompromising grip on power and his at-times fractious relations across Brussels, earning a reputation as the “Monster of the Berlaymont.” | Olivier Hoslet/EPA Bringing him in over the heads of career diplomats could prove unpopular inside the EEAS, the officials said. “Selmayr has been at the Vatican for the past two years — that’s the sum total of his diplomatic record,” said one of the officials. “To turn around and say to the enormously experienced people in the diplomatic service that they want to bring in someone with a strong record, everyone will wonder, well, don’t we have that already?” STRENGTHENING TIES During his time as Juncker’s chief of staff, Selmayr riled the hierarchy with his uncompromising grip on power and his at-times fractious relations across Brussels, earning a reputation as the “Monster of the Berlaymont.” According to another person familiar with the matter, the redesign of the deputy secretary-general position reflects Kallas’ focus on strengthening ties with member countries, including at the regular Coreper meetings of ambassadors held several times a week. But another diplomat said there is an awareness the EEAS will have to chart its own course and get tougher to achieve its goals. “Member states don’t love Selmayr. But who do they love? Only puppets who listen to them.” His appointment as secretary-general in 2018 drew opposition from the Parliament for a lack of transparency in the application process and a call “to give other possible candidates within the European public administration the possibility to apply.” Selmayr’s eventual departure in 2019 following von der Leyen’s takeover was seen as a way to rebrand the executive arm of the EU and reduce the level of German dominance in the corridors of power.  Gabriel Gavin and Nicholas Vinocur reported from Luxembourg. Hans von der Burchard reported from Berlin. Jacopo Barigazzi reported from Brussels. Gerardo Fortuna contributed to this report.

KYIV — Ursula von der Leyen on Monday opened the door to Ukraine joining the European Union before 2030 — within her current term as European Commission president. Welcoming Ukraine into the EU once its war with Russia is over could help deter Moscow from future aggression — which is more important than ever given the United States’ reluctance to allow Kyiv to join NATO or to provide soldiers for a postwar peacekeeping force. Accession to the EU comes with numerous legal and democratic hurdles, which Ukraine’s government has been racing to clear. Speaking at a press conference at a summit hosted by Kyiv, von der Leyen praised Ukraine’s progress toward reaching EU norms. “I really appreciate the political will that is there. I would even say Ukraine’s merit-based process, if they continue at that speed and at that quality, perhaps they could be earlier than 2030,” said the EU executive branch’s leader. The summit was convened in light of security concerns following the U.S.’s abrupt foreign policy shift. In the past two weeks, President Donald Trump has begun talks on the future of Ukraine with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin — shutting Europe out of negotiations — and blamed Ukraine for starting the war Moscow launched in February 2022. Most of the leaders — 13 of them, including von der Leyen, attended in person while another 24 joined online — declared renewed support for Ukraine, claiming they are ready to announce additional aid packages and reiterating that Kyiv cannot be left out of talks on its future. Von der Leyen announced the EU will allocate €3.5 billion to Ukraine in March; Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez promised a €1 billion package and outgoing Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also announced further help. Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama said Europe must think about what to do now, beyond just wartime support. “For too long we were on autopilot mode because of the U.S.,” he said. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy spoke of the need for a lasting peace, cautioning that it cannot be simply wished into existence. | Paula Bronstein/Getty Images “Now the U.S switched the autopilot off for an unknown term. Now it is the time to think through what we should do. Of course military support is important, but it might not be enough,” he said. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy spoke of the need for a lasting peace, cautioning that it cannot be simply wished into existence. “This year must be the year when real, lasting peace begins. Putin will not grant us this peace and will not hand it over in exchange for something,” he said, adding that “peace cannot be simply declared in an hour.” “If someone tries to do so in this way — without any foundation, it will not work,” Zelenskyy said, emphasizing that the only real security guarantee for Ukraine is NATO membership. His comments came as U.S. National Security Adviser Mike Waltz told Fox News he “doesn’t see Ukraine enter into NATO and then having U.S. troops essentially obligated immediately.” Uncertainty over the U.S. commitment to Ukraine and Europe’s security loomed over the whole summit, with several participants openly worrying that Europe’s formerly biggest ally is pivoting toward the Kremlin. Czech President Petr Pavel recalled the 1938 Munich Agreement, signed between the U.K., France, fascist Italy and Nazi Germany and obliging Czechoslovakia to surrender its border regions to Germany. Germany subsequently broke the deal and invaded Poland, triggering World War II. “There is no doubt that the ultimate goal is to wipe out Ukraine. We all want a lasting peace, not peace at any cost,” he said via video link. “Peace is built on the humiliation of the victim — the reward for aggression. We know what betrayal feels like. We had such an experience in 1938. There must be a clear recognition of who is the aggressor and who is the victim.”

The EU on Monday lifted a number of economic sanctions on Syria, after the fall of Bashar Assad’s regime late last year. “We will go forward with the suspension of sanctions against Syria,” the EU’s foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said before a meeting of foreign ministers in Brussels. “This includes the transport, energy and banking sectors.” The sanctions relief aims to support “an inclusive political transition in Syria, and its swift economic recovery, reconstruction and stabilization,” said the official Council of the EU statement. The EU had previously agreed to gradually ease sanctions it imposed on the country as a result of the violent 2011 crackdown on protesters by Assad’s government, resulting in a civil war that killed hundreds of thousands of people. Assad, who ruled Syria with an iron fist for almost a quarter of a century, fled to Russia after opposition forces swept the country and stormed the Syrian capital in December. The country is now governed by a new president, Ahmad al-Sharaa, formerly known as Abu Mohammed al-Jolani. The EU continues to list Al-Sharaa’s organization, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, as a terrorist organization, while European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in December warned that the regime change in Syria “offers opportunities but is not without risks.”

Listen on * Spotify * Apple Music * Amazon Music Diplomatic credentials? Optional. Deep pockets and loyalty to Trump? Essential. As Donald Trump rolls out his picks for U.S. ambassador posts in Europe — think fast-food executives, Broadway producers, billionaire donors and family insiders — one thing is clear: this isn’t traditional statecraft. Take Andrew Puzder, the former fast-food CEO and future U.S. ambassador to the EU (pending Senate confirmation). Like many of Trump’s nominees, he has no diplomatic experience but only strong political and business ties. Of course, Trump isn’t the first president to favor political appointees over career diplomats — Democrats do it too. But is this just business as usual, or does Trump’s selection signal a deeper shift in U.S. foreign policy? Host Sarah Wheaton is joined by Ivo Daalder, former U.S. ambassador to NATO; Suzanne Lynch, author of POLITICO’s Global Playbook; and POLITICO’s labor reporter based in Washington, D.C., Nick Niedzwiadek, to break it all down. Will economic interests take precedence over diplomacy? Will these new ambassadors help maintain transatlantic ties — or, as Daalder puts it, will they be forces of destruction? For more insights from Ivo Daalder, check out his podcast, World Review with Ivo Daalder. Listen here.

Ukrainian and European leaders on Tuesday marked 1,000 days since Russian President Vladimir Putin began his full-scale invasion of Ukraine. “1,000 days together. 1,000 days of Ukraine,” the country’s president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted in a video, recalling the key moments of the wartime struggles and pain, and the support Ukraine received. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said in a video message to Ukrainians that the EU still vowed to “stand by your side for as long as it takes.” “Russia tried to wipe Ukraine off the map, and for 1,000 days Russia has failed because of Ukraine’s resistance and the sacrifice of your heroes,” von der Leyen added. A Ukrainian flag was raised in front of the European Commission headquarters in Brussels, and several other EU officials shared messages of support on the anniversary. EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell wrote on X that one of his most meaningful tasks was to rally European support for Ukraine, but he noted that Europe needs to do more — and be quicker — to help Kyiv. “History will judge us by our actions and our reactions,” Borrell said. His incoming successor to the top diplomat post, Kaja Kallas, wrote on X that “each day is one too many” of Ukraine’s war, but “through every hardship, Ukrainians have shown unparalleled bravery and resilience.” “Europe’s support for Ukraine is unwavering. We will continue to help Ukraine and rebuild its future,” Kallas wrote. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk recalled Ukrainian heroism and Polish aid and solidarity during the war, and noted that by supporting Ukraine, “we’re moving the war away from our Polish and European borders.” “Let us remember that every single day,” Tusk said.

The EU’s commissioner for condemnation — ahem, foreign policy chief — is on his way out. As High Representative Josep Borrell prepares to hand over to former Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas, POLITICO took a look at some of his many statements over the last year deploring various global political outrages. But have Borrell’s frequent indignant missives — many of which have been helpfully collected by an account on X, the aptly named “Is EU Concerned?” — actually achieved anything? In reverse chronological order, you be the judge: Oct. 1, 2024: “The EU condemns in the strongest terms Iran’s attack against Israel. We reiterate our commitment to Israel’s security. This cycle of attacks risks fuelling an uncontrollable regional escalation. We call on all parties to exert maximum restraint.” What happened: Iran launched a ballistic missile attack against Israel on Oct. 1 in what it said was a response to the killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in Beirut and Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, potentially escalating tensions in the region toward a broader conflict. Did the EU’s condemnation change anything? Nope. Immediately after the attack, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Iran would “pay,” while Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian warned that Tehran would launch a more decisive response should Israel react.  ***** Sept. 24, 2024: “The EU condemns the ongoing repression in Belarus and the dire situation of more than 1300 political prisoners. Our support for the people of Belarus in their quest for a democratic Belarus will continue.” What happened: Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko cracked down on political dissent following mass protests in 2020 and 2021, imprisoning more than a thousand dissidents.  Did the EU’s condemnation change anything? Nope. Although Lukashenko has released a few, 1,300 remain in prison according to Belarusian human rights activists, with some working on a far-right German politician’s onion farm. ***** Sept. 18, 2024: “The explosions in Lebanon seem to have been targeted, but had heavy, indiscriminate collateral damages among civilians: children were killed. The situation is extremely worrying. I can only condemn these attacks that endanger Lebanon’s security & stability.” What happened: Thousands of pagers and walkie-talkies belonging to Hezbollah members were remotely detonated in an attack widely attributed to Israel, killing dozens and injuring thousands. Did the EU’s condemnation change anything? Nope. Israel then bombed and destroyed Hezbollah’s headquarters in Beirut, killing the Iran-backed militant group and political movement’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah, and this week launched a ground incursion into southern Lebanon. ***** Sept. 14, 2024: “As G7, we condemn in the strongest possible terms Iran’s export & Russia’s procurement of Iranian ballistic missiles. Iran must immediately cease all support to Russia’s illegal and unjustifiable war against Ukraine.” What happened: The U.S. revealed in September that Iran had provided missiles to Russia for its war on Ukraine. Did the EU’s condemnation change anything? Nope. Russia’s prime minister met the Iranian president on Monday; ties between the allied autocracies remain strong. ***** Sept. 12, 2024: “I condemn in the strongest terms the Russian shelling of an ICRC truck carrying humanitarian aid in Donetsk region, killing 3 ICRC staffers & injuring others. Under no circumstances can Humanitarian workers be a target. Russia will be held accountable for all its IHL violations.” What happened? Ukrainian officials reported that Russian shelling killed three people working for the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and injured two others in a front-line village in the Donetsk region. Did the EU’s condemnation change anything? Nope. After the attack on a Red Cross vehicle, Russia has been accused of continuing international humanitarian law violations, including targeting civilian infrastructures, medical facilities and humanitarian workers. ***** Aug. 10, 2024: “We regret & condemn Minister Smotrich opposition — against the interest of the Israeli people — to a deal. A ceasefire is the only way to stop the killing of civilians and secure the hostages’ release.” What happened: Far-right Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich suggested letting Gazan civilians die of starvation was “justified and moral” in response to Hamas keeping Israeli hostages and spoke out against a cease-fire. Did the EU’s condemnation change anything? Nope. Israel and Hamas have yet to reach a cease-fire, and the far-right faction Smotrich belongs to is increasingly influential in Israeli politics. ***** Aug. 8, 2024: “I strongly condemn the decision by the Israeli Government to revoke the diplomatic status for Norwegian diplomats dealing with the PA. This is of interest for all working for peace and stability in the Middle East. Full solidarity to Norway.” What happened: Israel revoked the accreditation of eight Norwegian diplomats serving as representatives to the Palestinian Authority, in response to what Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz described as Norway’s anti-Israel actions, including its recognition of a Palestinian state. Did the EU’s condemnation change anything? Nope. The eight diplomats have not yet received their diplomatic status back, however they were all offered the option to apply for a new accreditation.  ***** July 14, 2024: “Shocked by the news of the attack on President Trump, which I strongly condemn. Once again, we are witnessing unacceptable acts of violence against political representatives.” What happened: Former U.S. President Donald Trump survived an assassination attempt during a campaign rally in Pennsylvania on July 13. Trump was shot in the ear and was then treated in hospital. One person died during the rally, and two were severely injured. Did the EU’s condemnation change anything? Nope. Trump got almost shot again while he was golfing on his course in Florida in September. This time, the suspected shooter was stopped in time by Secret Service agents and was later taken into custody. ***** June 8, 2024: “Shocked by another phisical agression [sic] against a democratically elected leader. I condemn it. My solidarity to @Statsmin Mette Frederiksen. Violence will not determine our political choices.” What happened: Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen was shoved in a Copenhagen street. A judge sentenced the attacker, a Polish national, to four months in prison. Did the EU’s condemnation change anything? Nope. Political violence has been rife in Europe in 2024, with more than 50 candidates and their staff attacked during the French elections. ***** May 31, 2024: “We condemn any attempts to label a U.N. agency as a terrorist organisation.” What happened: The Israeli parliament passed a preliminary motion to approve a bill designating UNRWA, the U.N. Palestinian refugee agency, as a “terrorist organization” for its alleged connections with Hamas and other militant groups . Did the EU’s condemnation change anything? Nope. The Israeli Knesset has been advancing legislation aimed at formally designating UNRWA as a terrorist entity. ***** May 17, 2024: “Homophobia, Biphobia & Transphobia must have no place in the world. Still, LGBTI persons are target of violence & stigmatisation: we condemn this. The EU works on inclusive policies, to build a world in which every person can live free & equal.” What happened: To mark the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia, Borrell expressed his support for LGBTQ+ rights as multiple European countries mulled anti-gay and transgender laws. Did the EU’s condemnation change anything? Nope. Bulgaria amended its education code in August to ban LGBTQ+ “ideas and views” in schools, echoing similar laws introduced in Russia and Hungary. Georgia, an EU candidate country, also cracked down on LGBTQ+ rights. ***** May 16, 2024: “We condemn deliberate targeting of cultural heritage sites. Cultural heritage is a tool for reconciliation & driver for peace.” What happened: Borrell was speaking on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of The Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict. Did the EU’s condemnation change anything? Nope. According to UNESCO, 438 Ukrainian cultural sites have been damaged since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, including historical buildings, museums and religious monuments.  ***** May 15, 2024: “I am shocked by the news of the attack on Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, which I comdemn [sic]. Once again we are witnessing unacceptable attacks against political representatives. My thoughts are with Prime Minister Fico and his family.” What happened: Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico was shot multiple times on May 15 by a would-be assassin. He survived after emergency surgery. Did the EU’s condemnation change anything? Yes and no. The Slovak prime minister hasn’t been shot again, but he did receive a bullet in the mail. ***** May 15, 2024: “The EU urges Israel to end immediately its military operation in Rafah, that is leading to more internal displacement, exposure to famine & human suffering. We condemn Hamas’ attack in Kerem Shalom. We call on parties to redouble efforts for a ceasefire.” What happened: Four Israeli soldiers were killed in a Hamas rocket attack at an aid crossing. Meanwhile, Israel launched its offensive in the Palestinian city of Rafah in May, killing hundreds of people and displacing hundreds of thousands.  Did the EU’s condemnation change anything? Nope. According to Israeli authorities, Hamas attacked the same aid crossing again later in May. And by August, much of Rafah was razed. ***** April 13, 2024: “Appalled by the ongoing violence in the West Bank. Settlers resorted to mob violence in several villages causing Palestinian casualties after a 14-year old Israeli was found dead. I strongly condemn this murder and the ongoing escalation of violence.” What happened: Israeli settlers attacked several Palestinian communities in the West Bank, in response to the killing of Israeli teenager Benjamin Achimeir, killing four Palestinians.  Did the EU’s condemnation change anything? Nope. Though the worst bloodshed has abated, settler violence in the West Bank, and the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territory, has continued. ***** March 18, 2024: “The presidential elections in Russia took place in a highly restricted environment, with voters deprived of a real choice and systematic internal repression. We condemn the illegal holding of so-called ‘elections’ in the occupied Ukrainian territories.” What happened: Russia held a presidential election in March, with Vladimir Putin gaining nearly 90 percent of the vote. The election was predictably marred by widespread irregularities and included voting in the Russian-occupied territories of Ukraine. Did the EU’s condemnation change anything? Nyet. Putin is still president and Russia still holds much of the Ukrainian territories. ***** Jan. 4, 2024: “The European Union condemns in the strongest terms the terrorist attack in the city of Kerman in Iran and expresses its solidarity with the Iranian people.” What happened: 84 people were killed in a terrorist attack during a memorial ceremony in the city of Kerman in Iran on Jan. 3, marking one of the deadliest attacks in Iran since the 1979 revolution. The Islamic State (ISIS) claimed responsibility for the bombing.  Did the EU’s condemnation change anything? Nope. Since January, ISIS affiliates have carried out more terrorist attacks around the world, including a suicide bombing in Afghanistan in March that killed 21, the mass shooting at Crocus City Hall in Moscow, and multiple assaults targeting civilians in Syria and Iraq.