{"id":2167014,"date":"2026-09-28T05:00:45","date_gmt":"2026-09-28T02:00:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2167014"},"modified":"2026-09-28T05:00:45","modified_gmt":"2026-09-28T02:00:45","slug":"why-the-eu-is-unlikely-to-slash-its-diplomatic-delegations","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2167014","title":{"rendered":"Why the EU is unlikely to slash its diplomatic delegations"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/83\/18\/91\/1200x675_cmsv2_c887f6fa-6901-59f0-a059-9bffde938ee1-9831891.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2929094-pos1-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2929094\" data-cid=\"9929815\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2929094-label-pos1-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/92\/98\/15\/189x106_cmsv2_77d7c443-f154-598a-b34f-09f20a76b85a-9929815.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"A rescuer works on a site of Russian drone strike on the central market of Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine, on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Europe Today<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Ukraine funding gap looms over EU defence talks\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2929162-pos2-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1 the-media-object--has-video\" data-nid=\"2929162\" data-cid=\"9930069\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2929162-label-pos2-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/93\/00\/69\/189x106_cmsv2_f02d1895-d5e3-5270-a9bb-e5ae40e29718-9930069.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Firefighters are extinguishing a fire after a drone strike in Kyiv\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    No Comment<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Ukraine says Russian drones kill 14, hit Kyiv and Odesa infrastructure\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2929112-pos3-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2929112\" data-cid=\"9930012\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2929112-label-pos3-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/93\/00\/12\/189x106_cmsv2_a06f6fd2-e645-5156-9eb1-68806ab1c2d1-9930012.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"France&apos;s Senate interior view of the assembly room at the French Senate in Paris, 11 December, 2014\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Europe News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    France&#8217;s far-right National Rally gains ground in Senate poll\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2925900-pos4-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2925900\" data-cid=\"9927413\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2925900-label-pos4-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/91\/43\/57\/189x106_cmsv2_7e3d28c2-4499-5a20-898f-b51d8561f0ea-9914357.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Information Technology sector continues to record the highest average pay level in Portugal\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Business<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Where are salaries and job opportunities highest in Portugal?\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2929094-pos1-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2929094\" data-cid=\"9929815\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2929094-label-pos1-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/92\/98\/15\/189x106_cmsv2_77d7c443-f154-598a-b34f-09f20a76b85a-9929815.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"A rescuer works on a site of Russian drone strike on the central market of Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine, on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Europe Today<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Ukraine funding gap looms over EU defence talks\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2929162-pos2-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video\" data-nid=\"2929162\" data-cid=\"9930069\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2929162-label-pos2-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/93\/00\/69\/189x106_cmsv2_f02d1895-d5e3-5270-a9bb-e5ae40e29718-9930069.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Firefighters are extinguishing a fire after a drone strike in Kyiv\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    No Comment<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Ukraine says Russian drones kill 14, hit Kyiv and Odesa infrastructure\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2929112-pos3-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2929112\" data-cid=\"9930012\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2929112-label-pos3-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/93\/00\/12\/189x106_cmsv2_a06f6fd2-e645-5156-9eb1-68806ab1c2d1-9930012.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"France&apos;s Senate interior view of the assembly room at the French Senate in Paris, 11 December, 2014\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Europe News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    France&#8217;s far-right National Rally gains ground in Senate poll\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2925900-pos4-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2925900\" data-cid=\"9927413\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2925900-label-pos4-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/91\/43\/57\/189x106_cmsv2_7e3d28c2-4499-5a20-898f-b51d8561f0ea-9914357.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Information Technology sector continues to record the highest average pay level in Portugal\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Business<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Where are salaries and job opportunities highest in Portugal?\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"helper-site-row o-article-newsy\">\n<div class=\"helper-site-container o-article-newsy__container\">\n<div class=\"o-article-newsy__main\">\n<header class=\"h-grid o-article-newsy__main__header\">\n<nav aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\" class=\"c-article-breadcrumbs\">\n<div id=\"adb-article-breadcrumb\" class=\"c-article-breadcrumbs__list\">\n<p>                          Europe<\/p>\n<p>                          Europe News<\/p><\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<h1 class=\"c-article-redesign-title\">\n                            Why the EU is unlikely to slash its diplomatic delegations<\/h1>\n<div class=\"c-article-image-video u-position-relative \">\n<div class=\"js-superdiv u-aspect-ratio-16x9 u-position-relative \" data-controller=\"video-player\" data-sponsored=\"Partner content\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"js-poster-img c-article-media__img\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/83\/18\/91\/1536x864_cmsv2_c887f6fa-6901-59f0-a059-9bffde938ee1-9831891.jpg\" width=\"1536\" height=\"864\" loading=\"eager\" alt=\"Kaja Kallas, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission.\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-caption u-position-absolute\"><i id=\"article-caption-content\" class=\"c-article-caption__content\"><span class=\"c-article-caption__text\"><br \/>\n              Kaja Kallas, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission.<br \/>\n                    <span class=\"u-color-white\">&#8211;\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"c-article-caption__copyright\">Copyright\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"c-article-caption__credit\">EC &#8211; Audiovisual Service Cooperators\/Johanna Leguerre<\/span><\/span><\/i><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-image-copyright c-article-image-copyright--novideo\">\n      Copyright\u00a0EC &#8211; Audiovisual Service Cooperators\/Johanna Leguerre\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<div class=\"h-grid o-article-newsy__main__body u-article-content\">\n<div class=\"o-article-newsy__contributors-publication-date\">\n<div class=\"c-article-contributors\">\n  By&amp;nbspLuca Bertuzzi\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-publication-date\" data-timestamp=\"1790571645\">\n         Published on<br \/>\n            <time datetime=\"2026-09-28 07:00:45 +02:00\">28\/09\/2026 &#8211; 7:00 GMT+2<\/time><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-share-comment u-align-items-center u-display-flex\"><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__links u-align-items-center u-display-flex u-justify-content-center js-c-article-share-comment-share\"><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label\">Share<\/span><\/span><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label\">Comments<\/span><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label c-article-share-comment__label--always\">Add Euronews on Google<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-share-comment-popup-overlay js-c-article-share-comment-popup-overlay u-display-none\">\n<div id=\"js-c-article-share-comment-popup\" class=\"c-article-share-comment-popup js-c-article-share-comment-popup\">\n<div class=\"c-article-share-comment-popup__header u-display-flex\"><span>Share<\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/icon-close.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"Close Button\" class=\"u-cursor-pointer js-c-article-share-comment-close\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-share-comment-popup__content u-display-flex\">\n<div id=\"share-comment-popup-content-container\" class=\"c-article-share-comment-popup__content__container u-display-flex\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-facebook.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"facebook\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Facebook<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-facebook.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"facebook\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-twitter.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"twitter\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Twitter<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-twitter.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"twitter\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-flipboard.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"flipboard\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Flipboard<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-flipboard.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"flipboard\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-send.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"send\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Send<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-send.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"send\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-reddit.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"reddit\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Reddit<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-reddit.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"reddit\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-linkedin.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"linkedin\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Linkedin<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-linkedin.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"linkedin\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-messenger.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"messenger\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Messenger<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-messenger.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"messenger\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-telegram.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"telegram\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Telegram<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-telegram.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"telegram\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-vk.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"vk\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>VK<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-vk.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"vk\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-bluesky.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"bluesky\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Bluesky<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-bluesky.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"bluesky\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-threads.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"threads\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Threads<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-threads.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"threads\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-whatsapp.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"whatsapp\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Whatsapp<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-whatsapp.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"whatsapp\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"c-article-summary\">\n        The EU is unlikely to cut its diplomatic delegations despite budget pressure. The network, already being restructured, is vital for smaller member states and European companies.<br \/>\n    <\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-article-content js-article-content\">\n<p>Sensitive budget talks are eyeing the EU&#8217;s administrative machinery and global funding as the most likely targets for deep cuts. But the delegation network is already being reorganised, and small European countries, as well as companies, rely on it heavily.<\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt loading=\"lazy\"><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt loading=\"lazy\"><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>European governments are locked in tense negotiations over the bloc&#8217;s next long-term budget, with the administrative costs of EU institutions abroad and the global programme the most likely casualties. But small countries have much to lose if the EU&#8217;s global diplomatic network shrinks.<\/p>\n<p>A coalition of so-called &#8220;frugal&#8221; countries, including Germany, the Netherlands and Sweden, is pushing to cut the proposed size of the next Multiannual Financial Framework, the EU&#8217;s budget for 2028-2034, by several hundred billion euros.<\/p>\n<p>According to the ongoing discussions, there is broad consensus among member states on cutting spending dedicated to the EU institutions, while the Global Europe Fund also faces significant reductions from the levels the European Commission proposed.<\/p>\n<p>These cuts are raising the prospect of scaling back the network of EU delegations worldwide, which would be highly problematic for small EU countries, according to four EU officials who spoke to Euronews on condition of anonymity.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Small member states with few embassies rely heavily on the network of EU delegations,&#8221; an EU diplomat from one of the smaller member states concerned said, speaking anonymously to discuss sensitive issues freely.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Global diplomatic network<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>According to the European External Action Service&#8217;s (EEAS) 2025 report, the EU&#8217;s diplomatic arm, the bloc runs 145 delegations and offices, employing almost 6,000 people for a budget of around \u20ac1bn a year.<\/p>\n<p>The delegations aren&#8217;t staffed by the EEAS alone: they also work with the Commission departments for international partnerships and for civil protection and humanitarian aid, while hosting seconded diplomats from national ministries and employing local agents.<\/p>\n<p>Supporters of the network point out that its cost is relatively modest given the global reach it offers smaller EU member states that have no diplomatic presence of their own in many countries.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Most costs for delegations do not come from staff but from security and facilities, which is the same reason why some member states cannot afford a diplomatic presence there,&#8221; a second EU official told Euronews.<\/p>\n<p>According to this official, the idea that the next budget might cut the delegations, politically unlikely, stems from an ongoing power play by the Commission to take fuller control of the EU&#8217;s diplomatic service.<\/p>\n<p>All the more so since the delegations are already undergoing a &#8220;modernisation&#8221; drive.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Ongoing modernisation<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Since 1 September, the delegations have been undergoing a modernisation reform that has already brought significant cuts to administrative staff, prompting opposition from several EU civil service unions.<\/p>\n<p>The plan centralises administrative tasks, finance management and contracts at headquarters and at regional hubs overseeing clusters of countries. The hub in South Africa, for instance, also covers Botswana, Mauritius, Madagascar and Comoros.<\/p>\n<p>Local delegations, meanwhile, have been left with smaller, sometimes minimal, diplomatic representation to maintain political dialogue with local authorities, companies and stakeholders.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;The result has been a centralisation of power, weakening delegations that in the past, especially when headed by a diplomat from a large member state, could act far more independently from Brussels,&#8221; a third EU official said.<\/p>\n<p>At the same time, officials point out that EU countries with their own diplomatic presence often duplicate the delegations&#8217; work, and are not always aligned with how Brussels is now engaging with third countries.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>From development to partnerships<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>During Ursula von der Leyen&#8217;s first term, the Commission renamed its directorate-general for international cooperation and development (DG DEVCO) as the directorate-general for international partnerships (DG INTPA).<\/p>\n<p>The change was far more than a rebrand: it marked a wholesale shift in the bloc&#8217;s engagement with third countries, away from development aid and towards backing European companies on major infrastructure projects in strategic areas such as critical raw materials, connectivity and energy.<\/p>\n<p>The Australian mining company Viridis, for example, signed a letter of intent with the Belgian chemical company Solvay to supply Brazilian rare earths for processing at Solvay&#8217;s plant in France.<\/p>\n<p>In other words, in line with von der Leyen&#8217;s &#8220;geopolitical&#8221; approach, the Commission has all but dropped development projects in favour of initiatives that help European companies compete abroad with their Chinese and American rivals.<\/p>\n<p>According to EU officials, when these projects are successful, they manage to help Europe&#8217;s private sector win contracts far larger than the EU&#8217;s own contribution, to the point that several European companies have started collaborating with the Commission much more closely.<\/p>\n<p>In the new budget, the intent is also to make global funding allocation more flexible, earmarking it by macro-region, such as Latin America and Africa, rather than by individual country, so the EU can better seize opportunities such as commercial contracts or trade agreements.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;The delegations are key to managing projects with local partners; there are certain tasks that simply cannot be moved to headquarters,&#8221; a fourth EU official said.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>                                  Go to accessibility shortcuts<\/p>\n<div class=\"c-article-share-comment u-align-items-center u-display-flex\"><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__links u-align-items-center u-display-flex u-justify-content-center js-c-article-share-comment-share\"><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label\">Share<\/span><\/span><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label\">Comments<\/span><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label c-article-share-comment__label--always\">Add Euronews on Google<\/span><\/div>\n<div id=\"adb-article-you-might-also-like\" class=\"perf-cv-auto c-article-you-might-also-like\">\n<h2 class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__title\">\n        Read more<br \/>\n      <\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__item\">\n<h3>\n<p>                  EU institutions face budget cuts as member states scramble for money<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__item\">\n<h3>\n<p>                  Germany and France float plan to bring Kallas under von der Leyen&#8217;s supervision<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__item\">\n<h3>\n<p>                  EU payers push for cuts but can\u2019t agree on how much as budget talks enter key phase<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto\">\n<ul id=\"adb-article-tags\" class=\"c-tags-list\">\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  Kaja Kallas<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  Diplomacy<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  EU Foreign Policy<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  European Union<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  Ursula von der Leyen<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"tp-vuukle\">\n<div class=\"c-vuukle-skeleton\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"c-vuukle-skeleton__header\"><span class=\"c-vuukle-skeleton__title\">Comments<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"o-article-newsy__aside\">\n<div class=\"c-ad-wrapper o-article-newsy__aside__content-1\" data-ad-name=\"adzone-halfpage\">\n<div class=\"c-ad c-ad-halfpage u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"adb-article-top-stories\" class=\"perf-cv-auto c-top-stories\">\n<h2 class=\"c-top-stories__title\">Top stories<\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2929115-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2929115\" data-cid=\"9929850\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2929115-label-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/92\/98\/50\/320x180_cmsv2_19bea4f1-11dd-5469-b89e-dc2c22cbc990-9929850.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"South Korean President Lee Jae Myung addresses the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly at U.N. headquarters Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Seoul demands apology after Kyiv reveals transfer of North Korean POWs<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2929147-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2929147\" data-cid=\"9930006\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2929147-label-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/93\/00\/06\/320x180_cmsv2_c1169579-4c39-5313-88ab-c8634cb5fb58-9930006.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Military personnel take part in a parade to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in Beijing, 3 September, 2025\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Trump offered to sell arms to China, US ambassador tells Fox News<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2928630-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2928630\" data-cid=\"9927900\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2928630-label-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/92\/79\/00\/320x180_cmsv2_67f2150a-de50-57bf-8308-016dabc65737-9927900.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"A BYD electric vehicle charges at a dealership in Camacari, Bahia state, Brazil, Friday, March 7, 2025. \" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    How old EV batteries could transform Europe\u2019s struggling energy grid<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2929155-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2929155\" data-cid=\"9930038\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2929155-label-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/93\/00\/38\/320x180_cmsv2_ed073c6c-1d0e-5c2e-aaff-2e2623f3fcfb-9930038.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"File - Currency traders watch monitors at the foreign exchange dealing room of the Hana Bank headquarters in Seoul, South Korea, Wednesday, 23 Sept. 2026. \" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Oil prices jump after Trump rejects Iran\u2019s truce offer<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2928613-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2928613\" data-cid=\"9927777\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2928613-label-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/92\/77\/77\/320x180_cmsv2_220e7d0e-95e6-536e-9fbb-d215b85d184d-9927777.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"The Euronews Travel &amp; Tourism Summit will be live from the Albert Hall in Brussels\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Euronews Travel &amp; Tourism Summit: Speakers, topics and how to watch<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto c-ad-wrapper o-article-newsy__aside__content-2\" data-ad-name=\"adzone-halfpage\">\n<div class=\"c-ad c-ad-halfpage u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto c-most-viewed\">\n<h2 class=\"c-most-viewed__title qa-section-title\">Most read<\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__list\">\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">1<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2928991-pos1-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2928991\" data-cid=\"9929407\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Five arrested near US air base as police probe possible Iran link<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">2<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2928961-pos2-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2928961\" data-cid=\"9929302\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Russian foreign minister rejects Berlin&#8217;s call to abandon escalation<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">3<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2928870-pos3-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2928870\" data-cid=\"9928977\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Fat Bear Week returns as Alaska&#8217;s biggest bears compete for the crown<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">4<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2928759-pos4-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2928759\" data-cid=\"9928738\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Trump rejects Iranian plan to reopen Strait of Hormuz<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">5<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2928830-pos5-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2928830\" data-cid=\"9928844\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Thousands take to the streets in Madrid over Ceuta migrant crisis<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto c-ad-wrapper o-article-newsy__aside__content-3\" data-ad-name=\"adzone-halfpage\">\n<div class=\"c-ad c-ad-halfpage u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2929115-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2929115\" data-cid=\"9929850\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2929115-label-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/92\/98\/50\/320x180_cmsv2_19bea4f1-11dd-5469-b89e-dc2c22cbc990-9929850.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"South Korean President Lee Jae Myung addresses the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly at U.N. headquarters Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Seoul demands apology after Kyiv reveals transfer of North Korean POWs<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2929147-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2929147\" data-cid=\"9930006\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2929147-label-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/93\/00\/06\/320x180_cmsv2_c1169579-4c39-5313-88ab-c8634cb5fb58-9930006.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Military personnel take part in a parade to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in Beijing, 3 September, 2025\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Trump offered to sell arms to China, US ambassador tells Fox News<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2928630-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2928630\" data-cid=\"9927900\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2928630-label-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/92\/79\/00\/320x180_cmsv2_67f2150a-de50-57bf-8308-016dabc65737-9927900.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"A BYD electric vehicle charges at a dealership in Camacari, Bahia state, Brazil, Friday, March 7, 2025. \" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    How old EV batteries could transform Europe\u2019s struggling energy grid<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2929155-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2929155\" data-cid=\"9930038\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2929155-label-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/93\/00\/38\/320x180_cmsv2_ed073c6c-1d0e-5c2e-aaff-2e2623f3fcfb-9930038.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"File - Currency traders watch monitors at the foreign exchange dealing room of the Hana Bank headquarters in Seoul, South Korea, Wednesday, 23 Sept. 2026. \" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Oil prices jump after Trump rejects Iran\u2019s truce offer<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2928613-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2928613\" data-cid=\"9927777\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2928613-label-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/92\/77\/77\/320x180_cmsv2_220e7d0e-95e6-536e-9fbb-d215b85d184d-9927777.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"The Euronews Travel &amp; Tourism Summit will be live from the Albert Hall in Brussels\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Euronews Travel &amp; Tourism Summit: Speakers, topics and how to watch<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2928991-pos1-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2928991\" data-cid=\"9929407\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Five arrested near US air base as police probe possible Iran link<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2928961-pos2-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2928961\" data-cid=\"9929302\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Russian foreign minister rejects Berlin&#8217;s call to abandon escalation<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2928870-pos3-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2928870\" data-cid=\"9928977\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Fat Bear Week returns as Alaska&#8217;s biggest bears compete for the crown<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2928759-pos4-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2928759\" data-cid=\"9928738\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Trump rejects Iranian plan to reopen Strait of Hormuz<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2928830-pos5-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2928830\" data-cid=\"9928844\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Thousands take to the streets in Madrid over Ceuta migrant crisis<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"articleBody\" data-key=\"articleBody\">Sensitive budget talks are eyeing the EU&#8217;s administrative machinery and global funding as the most likely targets for deep cuts. But the delegation network is already being reorganised, and small European countries, as well as companies, rely on it heavily.European governments are locked in tense negotiations over the bloc&#8217;s next long-term budget, with the administrative costs of EU institutions abroad and the global programme the most likely casualties. But small countries have much to lose if the EU&#8217;s global diplomatic network shrinks.A coalition of so-called &#8220;frugal&#8221; countries, including Germany, the Netherlands and Sweden, is pushing to cut the proposed size of the next Multiannual Financial Framework, the EU&#8217;s budget for 2028-2034, by several hundred billion euros.According to the ongoing discussions, there is broad consensus among member states on cutting spending dedicated to the EU institutions, while the Global Europe Fund also faces significant reductions from the levels the European Commission proposed.These cuts are raising the prospect of scaling back the network of EU delegations worldwide, which would be highly problematic for small EU countries, according to four EU officials who spoke to Euronews on condition of anonymity.&#8221;Small member states with few embassies rely heavily on the network of EU delegations,&#8221; an EU diplomat from one of the smaller member states concerned said, speaking anonymously to discuss sensitive issues freely.Global diplomatic networkAccording to the European External Action Service&#8217;s (EEAS) 2025 report, the EU&#8217;s diplomatic arm, the bloc runs 145 delegations and offices, employing almost 6,000 people for a budget of around \u20ac1bn a year.The delegations aren&#8217;t staffed by the EEAS alone: they also work with the Commission departments for international partnerships and for civil protection and humanitarian aid, while hosting seconded diplomats from national ministries and employing local agents.Supporters of the network point out that its cost is relatively modest given the global reach it offers smaller EU member states that have no diplomatic presence of their own in many countries.&#8221;Most costs for delegations do not come from staff but from security and facilities, which is the same reason why some member states cannot afford a diplomatic presence there,&#8221; a second EU official told Euronews.According to this official, the idea that the next budget might cut the delegations, politically unlikely, stems from an ongoing power play by the Commission to take fuller control of the EU&#8217;s diplomatic service.All the more so since the delegations are already undergoing a &#8220;modernisation&#8221; drive.Ongoing modernisationSince 1 September, the delegations have been undergoing a modernisation reform that has already brought significant cuts to administrative staff, prompting opposition from several EU civil service unions.The plan centralises administrative tasks, finance management and contracts at headquarters and at regional hubs overseeing clusters of countries. The hub in South Africa, for instance, also covers Botswana, Mauritius, Madagascar and Comoros.Local delegations, meanwhile, have been left with smaller, sometimes minimal, diplomatic representation to maintain political dialogue with local authorities, companies and stakeholders.&#8221;The result has been a centralisation of power, weakening delegations that in the past, especially when headed by a diplomat from a large member state, could act far more independently from Brussels,&#8221; a third EU official said.At the same time, officials point out that EU countries with their own diplomatic presence often duplicate the delegations&#8217; work, and are not always aligned with how Brussels is now engaging with third countries.From development to partnershipsDuring Ursula von der Leyen&#8217;s first term, the Commission renamed its directorate-general for international cooperation and development (DG DEVCO) as the directorate-general for international partnerships (DG INTPA).The change was far more than a rebrand: it marked a wholesale shift in the bloc&#8217;s engagement with third countries, away from development aid and towards backing European companies on major infrastructure projects in strategic areas such as critical raw materials, connectivity and energy.The Australian mining company Viridis, for example, signed a letter of intent with the Belgian chemical company Solvay to supply Brazilian rare earths for processing at Solvay&#8217;s plant in France.In other words, in line with von der Leyen&#8217;s &#8220;geopolitical&#8221; approach, the Commission has all but dropped development projects in favour of initiatives that help European companies compete abroad with their Chinese and American rivals.According to EU officials, when these projects are successful, they manage to help Europe&#8217;s private sector win contracts far larger than the EU&#8217;s own contribution, to the point that several European companies have started collaborating with the Commission much more closely.In the new budget, the intent is also to make global funding allocation more flexible, earmarking it by macro-region, such as Latin America and Africa, rather than by individual country, so the EU can better seize opportunities such as commercial contracts or trade agreements.&#8221;The delegations are key to managing projects with local partners; there are certain tasks that simply cannot be moved to headquarters,&#8221; a fourth EU official said.<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/2026\/09\/28\/why-the-eu-is-unlikely-to-slash-its-diplomatic-delegations&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/83\/18\/91\/1200x675_cmsv2_c887f6fa-6901-59f0-a059-9bffde938ee1-9831891.jpg&#8221;] Europe Today Ukraine funding gap looms over EU defence talks No Comment Ukraine says Russian drones kill 14, hit Kyiv and Odesa infrastructure Europe News France&#8217;s far-right National Rally gains ground in Senate poll Business Where are salaries and job opportunities highest in Portugal? Europe Today Ukraine funding gap looms over EU [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[90],"tags":[226,36],"class_list":["post-2167014","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-international","tag-crawlmanager","tag-euronews-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2167014","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2167014"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2167014\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2167014"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2167014"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2167014"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}