The European Commission is considering reducing staff in its diplomatic missions worldwide to optimize expenses and focus on strengthening strategically important embassies, Politico reports, citing an internal document.
According to the document, downsizing staff in several EU missions would allow resources to be redirected to countries of strategic interest without increasing the budget. This measure is being discussed amid rising expenses of the European External Action Service due to inflation and expectations of even higher costs in 2025.
Currently, the EU operates 145 missions globally. The plan aims to enhance the EU’s presence in candidate countries for EU membership, neighboring states, G20 countries, and regions of growing political or economic significance. Additional focus will be placed on nations whose instability could threaten EU interests.
