EU Mourns Loss: Metsola Honors Ex-Commissioner Kallas After Daughter Announces Passing

Former Estonian Prime Minister and European Commission Vice-President Siim Kallas has passed away at the age of 77. The news of his death was announced on Saturday by his daughter, Kaja Kallas, the European Union's foreign affairs chief, via an Instagram post: “It is with sadness that I must announce that my dear father, Siim Kallas, passed away last night.” Siim Kallas held the distinction of being Estonia's first ever European commissioner, beginning his tenure in 2004.

Following the announcement, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola paid tribute to Siim Kallas, acknowledging his significant contributions. Metsola highlighted the immense courage required to rebuild Estonia, notably the introduction of its own currency in the 1990s, and his instrumental role in shaping European policies. She shared her sentiments on X (formerly Twitter), stating, "I was saddened to learn of the passing of former Prime Minister and EU Commission Vice-President Siim Kallas. I am thinking of the courage it took to build the state and introduce our own currency in the early 1990s, and the quiet conviction he brought with him to Brussels years later. Estonia and Europe are better off because of his life's work."

Metsola also extended her deep sympathy to Siim Kallas’s family, specifically addressing his daughter, Kaja Kallas, and the entire family. She conveyed, "I am deeply sorry for your loss. I wish you strength and warmth during this difficult time." The European Commission, through its official account on X, also expressed its condolences and honored the Kallas family.

Born in 1948, Siim Kallas was also a distinguished economist. His illustrious career included serving as the President of the Bank of Estonia (Eesti Pank) from 1991 to 1995, during which he was pivotal in establishing the national currency, the kroon. He later served as the Prime Minister of Estonia. On the European stage, he held the roles of European Commissioner for Transport and Vice-President of the European Commission from 2010 to 2014, leaving a lasting legacy in both Estonian and European politics.