EXCLUSIVE

The European Union's diplomatic service is set to significantly scale back its presence abroad, with plans to downsize around 10 foreign delegations and cut approximately 100 local staff positions. This move, part of a broader restructuring and cost-saving effort, comes in response to overall budget constraints impacting several EU institutions.

EU High Representative Kaja Kallas has presented a reform package for the European External Action Service (EEAS), receiving approval from senior European Commission officials. The changes will be phased in over the next two years and will prioritize reallocating resources in line with evolving EU strategic goals.

While no delegation closures are formally planned, some missions—particularly in regions where EU interests are considered less critical, such as Belarus or Lesotho—will be reduced to only an ambassador and one or two aides. Local staff reductions will likely be implemented in two phases, beginning in 2026 and continuing into 2027. In some cases, reduced operations could mean diplomats working remotely, effectively shutting down certain physical offices.

The EEAS, which has grown from a small body in 2011 to over 5,200 personnel worldwide, is shifting focus from traditional development aid and economic diplomacy to strategic roles such as sanctions enforcement and defense cooperation. Delegations in countries key to these interests may see increased staffing, especially those that play a role in countering Russia’s sanctions evasion tactics.

The reform plan anticipates initial implementation costs of €20 million in its first year, followed by annual savings of around €9 million. However, additional cuts could be considered during negotiations on the EU’s long-term Multiannual Financial Framework.

Policy Perspective:
This strategic downsizing marks a shift in the EU’s external policy from a broad development-oriented approach to a more focused geopolitical agenda. As global dynamics evolve, the EU is adapting by reallocating resources toward diplomacy that supports defense, sanctions enforcement, and influence in critical geopolitical regions. However, the move also signals internal limitations—namely, the political and fiscal reluctance among member states to increase contributions—forcing the EU to do more with less. Maintaining global presence while sharpening strategic impact will require agile diplomacy, robust inter-agency coordination, and targeted investment in priority regions.

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