The European Commission is planning to significantly reduce its global network of development offices, shifting its focus under the new mandate of President Ursula von der Leyen.
The Directorate-General for International Partnerships (DG INTPA) will downsize its presence from around 100 delegations worldwide to just 18 strategic hubs, according to an internal document obtained by Euronews.
This restructuring comes in response to changing geopolitical priorities and budget constraints, aiming to centralize decision-making in Brussels rather than maintaining a large regional network. The document cited several reasons for the downsizing, including the need to better align the European Union’s Global Gateway initiative, which focuses on sustainable projects in areas like digital infrastructure, clean energy, and transport, with the Commission’s broader goals, including migration and security.
The Global Gateway, which is backed by €300 billion in investments for the period 2021-2027, has become a cornerstone of the EU’s foreign policy strategy. However, the Commission has acknowledged that the previous model of decentralized development offices, which has been in place for about 25 years, is no longer effective in addressing the EU’s strategic needs. The reorganization will concentrate efforts in select regions, including Africa, Asia, and Latin America, with a particular focus on countries crucial to migration management, such as Ghana, Senegal, and Ethiopia.
In addition to the focus on migration, the new hubs are expected to prioritize fostering trade relations and business activities, rather than the traditional emphasis on local development. This shift aligns with a broader strategy to streamline resource allocation and enhance the EU’s operational agility. The reduction in global offices is expected to optimize operations by concentrating resources on fewer, more strategically important countries.
The restructuring has raised concerns about the potential loss of on-the-ground cooperation in some regions, but the Commission insists that it is essential to adapt to current challenges and global dynamics. The planned cuts will significantly change the way the EU engages with partner countries, particularly those with large migration flows to Europe.
