Debate over the future of the European Union’s diplomatic apparatus intensified this week as senior officials moved to defend the bloc’s foreign service while criticism from member states continued to grow.

At the center of the discussion is the European External Action Service (EEAS), the E.U.’s diplomatic branch created in 2011 and currently led by top diplomat Kaja Kallas.

According to reports, Kallas and other officials have pushed back against proposals calling for major structural changes or even the dismantling of the institution.

The renewed scrutiny comes as questions over the agency’s effectiveness have resurfaced following several major international developments in recent years, including Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, conflicts in the Middle East, and broader diplomatic challenges facing Europe.

Reuters and The Financial Times reported Thursday that proposals and discussions emerging from within E.U. member states—including voices in France and Germany—have raised the possibility of significant reform and, if necessary, a complete restructuring of the service.

Supporters of the EEAS argue that coordinated diplomacy remains essential for the bloc’s international influence. Critics, meanwhile, question whether the current structure delivers results proportionate to its role and resources.

Large institutions rarely face calls for overhaul when everything is running smoothly, and diplomacy may be no exception. Once conversations shift from “how do we improve this?” to “do we still need this?”, people tend to pay attention.

For now, the debate appears far from settled, but the pressure surrounding Europe’s diplomatic structure is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore.