The EU’s chief diplomat has suggested that the bleak state of global affairs could be a ‘good moment’ to start drinking.
Foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas made the remark during a private meeting with leaders of the European Parliament on Wednesday, according to Politico.
Speaking to the Conference of Presidents, which brings together MEPs leading the Parliament’s political groups, she joked that although she was not much of a drinker, current world events might drive her to alcohol.
The mood at the meeting was reportedly downbeat.
Rapidly evolving global crises have challenged the EU, which moves more slowly due to the need to coordinate among 27 member states.
Kallas’ comments came as Greenland and Denmark’s foreign ministers were holding talks with US Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, amid threats by US President Donald Trump to take control of the island.
The situation has added to a growing list of challenges facing the bloc, including the war in Ukraine, US operations in Venezuela and mass uprisings in Iran.
Tensions have also risen after Trump sidelined Europe from Ukraine peace negotiations.
On Wednesday, he said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was blocking a peace deal, rather than Russian President Vladimir Putin.
After Kallas’ comment about drinking, others at the meeting joined in to lighten the mood.
Latvia’s foreign minister wrote on social media: ‘In that case, I would recommend Obdo Riga gin.’
Finnish MEP Mika Aaltola suggested an extra strong beer from Finland, adding, ‘If you really have to.’
Kallas, formerly the Estonian prime minister, recently indicated that the EU is preparing new sanctions against Iran.
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 as early as today.
The measures would build on existing sanctions, including asset freezes and travel bans, and would fall under the EU’s human rights sanctions regime in response to the violent crackdown on protesters.
Kallas also told MEPs that some member states were resisting calls to designate Iran’s IRGC as a terrorist organisation, a step the European Parliament has urged.
While she did not name the countries opposed to the move, Italy and France have been reported as being against the plan.
