Belén Martínez Carbonell’s Departure and the Power Struggle in Europe’s Heart
Belen Martínez Carbonell’s departure as EU diplomatic chief risks tipping power over Europe’s foreign policy amid internal rivalry between the diplomatic corps and the Commission’s growing dominance.
The upcoming departure of Belén Martínez Carbonell from a key position in the European diplomatic service is not merely a personnel change. It could influence who truly controls Europe’s foreign policy, according to European Conservative.
Martínez Carbonell, appointed in February 2025 by Kaya Kallas, head of the EU’s foreign policy, is expected to leave after just over a year, likely for a new role in Latin America. As secretary general of the European diplomatic service, she oversaw its day-to-day operations, including personnel, budgets, and embassies worldwide. Simply put, she ensured the continued functioning of European external policy.
Her departure comes at a difficult time. The EU faces the war in Ukraine, tensions in the Middle East, sanctions against Russia, and growing global competition. While the workload has increased, the system remains intact. The EU diplomatic service is expected to do more without the support of a full national diplomatic service.
Meanwhile, an invisible power struggle is unfolding in Brussels between Kallas and the European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen.
Kallas is trying to strengthen the diplomatic service so it can operate more independently. One sign of this effort was her proposal to reinstate Martin Selmayer, a powerful Berlin player, to a senior position. The goal was to appoint someone capable who could defend against the Commission’s growing influence in foreign policy.
However, this plan was blocked. Von der Leyen’s team did not want a rival power center. In recent years, the Commission has taken on a larger role in areas such as sanctions, defense policy, and international relations—fields that were supposedly meant to be common or led by the diplomatic service. Although the rules have not officially changed, in practice the Commission has taken the lead more frequently.
Carbonell helped maintain this system. Her aim was to bridge the relations between the Commission, the diplomatic service, and the EU member states, smoothing over tensions and ensuring the overall functionality. Without her, internal rivalries are likely to become more pronounced.
Her succession will matter. If Kallas proposes the replacement, the diplomatic service could regain some control. Conversely, if the Commission influences the decision, its influence will grow even further. Should the EU member states reach a compromise candidate, the power struggle will continue—making European foreign policy more centralized but still lacking clear leadership.
