The EU foreign affairs chief sought the top official as a strong ally as she struggles against assertive diplomats. (Based on “Machtkampf in Brüssel: Wie von der Leyen Europas Chefdiplomatin brüskiert,” Handelsblatt, published 1 November 2025) EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen tolerates no rival power centers, and EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas is now experiencing the consequences as her attempt to appoint top official Martin Selmayr is thwarted.
In Brussels’ corridors, Martin Selmayr stands out among careerists: brilliant, assertive, yet headstrong and ruthless—often likened to a steamroller. The German, who led Jean-Claude Juncker’s cabinet from 2014 to 2018, is both respected and feared. Rumors of his return from his current post as EU ambassador to the Vatican have dominated Commission chatter for weeks.
Kallas, in office for a year, sought Selmayr as a strong ally among EU ambassadors. She struggles against assertive diplomats, with the 27 member states frequently undermining a unified foreign policy line, viewing it as a national prerogative. Selmayr was slated for a leadership role in the European External Action Service (EEAS) to advance EU interests.
The plan collapsed before interviews. Insiders say von der Leyen and her chief of staff, Björn Seibert—who now occupies Selmayr’s former omnipotent role on the Berlaymont’s 13th floor—opposed the power-hungry Selmayr’s return. In 2019, one of von der Leyen’s first acts was demoting Selmayr from EU Secretary-General, sending him to Vienna, then the Vatican. Formally tied to nationality rules (a German president can’t have a German secretary-general), it signalled no tolerance for parallel powers. Kallas underestimated the lingering threat Selmayr poses to von der Leyen’s team. Her public image as the Commission’s foreign policy face, especially in security, is paramount.
Kallas, the former Estonian premier, was seen as a rival from the start due to her prominence. Both women share views on reducing geopolitical dependencies—on Russia, China, and now the U.S. under Trump—but von der Leyen is no team player, confirm senior officials. Amid global crises, Brussels fixates on internal turf wars, frustrating Kallas.
Selmayr remains controversial. His 2018 promotion under Juncker sidelined many. His EEAS leap would skip career steps, irking diplomats who floated alternatives.
Council reservations abound. Diplomats question his fit as a mediator. When Politico reported German backing, the Chancellery denied it.
Von der Leyen acted swiftly, pushing commissioners last week to revive the Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief, reporting to the Home Affairs Commissioner. She offered it to Selmayr, sidelining him again. As an EU official, he can hardly refuse his superior. Though the EEAS is independent, Kallas appointing him against von der Leyen’s wishes is unlikely.
The Selmayr steamroller is halted before restarting, underscoring von der Leyen’s centralized grip on EU power.
