The European Commission is set to significantly reduce diplomatic staff in several EU embassies worldwide, with plans to redirect resources to countries deemed crucial for the EU’s strategic interests. This move, first reported by Politico, has sparked concerns about the EU’s diminishing diplomatic influence, particularly in regions such as Africa and Latin America.
Strategic Reallocation of Diplomatic Resources
In an effort to adapt to changing geopolitical priorities, the European Commission intends to focus its diplomatic efforts on countries with which the EU shares significant political, economic, and security interests. These countries include those seeking EU membership, those in close proximity to the EU’s borders, G20 nations, emerging political and economic powers, and regions where instability poses a direct threat to European security.
A high-ranking EU official, speaking on condition of anonymity, expressed concern that reducing diplomatic presence in countries like Sudan and Niger could send the wrong message, especially in light of the growing disengagement from foreign affairs by the U.S. administration. “If we leave behind only a small delegation, we risk creating a vacuum that could be filled by Russia or China,” the official warned.
Budget Constraints and Reform Plans
The decision to scale back diplomatic representation comes after the European External Action Service (EEAS) exceeded its budget for 2024, with forecasts indicating that the situation could worsen in the coming years due to rising costs and inflation. According to internal EU documents seen by Politico, maintaining the status quo is no longer viable. Instead, the EU is pursuing a more efficient network of delegations that better aligns with its evolving political priorities.
The EU currently maintains 145 delegations worldwide, functioning similarly to embassies. The new strategy aims to enhance the EU’s presence in countries where its core interests lie, but will result in significantly reduced diplomatic missions in other regions.
EU’s ‘Global Gateway’ Project and Diplomatic Shift
The diplomatic staff reduction aligns with the EU’s “Global Gateway” initiative, designed to counter China’s extensive infrastructure and trade networks across the globe. One EU official emphasized the need to reevaluate the organizational structure to strengthen relationships with third countries, saying, “If Brussels wants to be more successful in establishing ties with these nations, we must reconsider our diplomatic network.”
However, critics argue that reducing EU diplomatic presence in less strategically critical regions could undermine the Union’s global role and influence. They caution that foreign policy should not be solely defined by the “Global Gateway” project.
Concerns Over Job Losses and Diplomatic Impact
The planned cuts are likely to impact nearly 800 local employees across various EU delegations, with many at risk of losing their jobs. These staff members, many of whom cannot easily be transferred to other countries, could face difficult employment transitions. Some EU officials worry that this staffing overhaul could further damage the Union’s diplomatic capabilities, especially as it navigates complex global challenges such as the ongoing war in Ukraine and the growing influence of competing powers like Russia and China.
A Challenging Start for New EU Foreign Minister
If the proposed cuts move forward, they could also pose a challenge for the new EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Ursula von der Leyen, as she would have to address significant staffing issues and potential political fallout at the start of her tenure. Critics warn that drastically scaling back diplomatic staff could send a message of retreat from global engagement, especially at a time when the EU is facing increasing international pressure.
