Source: European Parliament
In her appearance before the European Parliament’s Committee on Budgetary Control (2023 discharge), the High Representative/Vice-President (HR/VP) stated that, in principle, no EU Delegations would close, while underlining that the European External Action Service’s effectiveness and efficiency could be further improved in close coordination with the Commission with regard to its staff in EU Delegations and their functions.
In the context of reduced budgetary resources and the new priorities and policies of the EU, it is necessary to ensure that the Delegations network is able to effectively deliver, including with relevant expertise in the field and new EU priorities.
The EU will continue to strengthen and develop relations with partners globally, acting together with Member States in a Team Europe approach.
In Africa, the EU will aim at consolidating a partnership of equals, notably through a co-investment agenda under the Global Gateway[1], as stated in the HR/VP hearing.
Moreover, EU Delegations are key in promoting the EU’s foreign policy objectives including by reinforcing and sustaining the EU’s fight against foreign information manipulation and interference.
The EU Delegations play an essential role in the EU’s representation on the global stage. In the current complex geopolitical context, including with the EU’s main partners, the EU will continue to reflect and examine on the effectiveness and efficiency of its Delegations network around the world.
No decision has been made on strengthening the EU’s presence in any particular country.
- [1] https://commission.europa.eu/strategy-and-policy/priorities-2019-2024/stronger-europe-world/global-gateway_en