EU to Downsize Diplomatic Service, Prioritize Russia Sanctions Enforcement, POLITICO Reports

EU to downsize diplomatic service, prioritize Russia sanctions enforcement, POLITICO reports

The European Union is preparing to downsize its diplomatic service – the European External Action Service (EEAS) – and redirect funds toward strategic interests such as enforcing sanctions against Russia, POLITICO reported on May 20.

EU Downsizing Its Foreign Delegations as Focus Shifts to More Strategic Issues

The EU intends to cut staff at 10 foreign delegations and shift focus from aid to strategic goals such as sanctions enforcement, in accordance with a plan approved by top officials.

The European External Relations Service intends to reduce some foreign missions, while increasing delegations in countries helping to comply with sanctions against Russia reported the 20 May edition of the Policy, referring to the documents and words of two officials familiar with EU plans.

The European External Action Service (EEAS) wants to cut about ten of its foreign delegations and about 100 local staff as part of the reform amid budget cuts in several EU institutions.

The EU plans to cut about 100 staff, probably in two phases in 2026 and 2027

Initiative launched over the next two years, noted by officials