European External Action Service could face major cuts

BRUSSELS, September 23 - RIA Novosti. The European External Action Service (EEAS), under the leadership of EU diplomacy chief Kaja Callas, could undergo large-scale staff cuts and effectively turn into a “skeleton” within two years due to a power struggle between Callas and the head of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, Euractiv reports, citing European officials.

“EEAS will turn into a skeleton over the next two years,” a European Commission representative told the publication.

We are not talking about the complete liquidation of the EU diplomatic service. EEAS, in particular, will retain responsibility for a network of 145 EU representations around the world, but it is not yet known how many of them will retain full staff. The majority of central office employees affected by the reorganization are expected to be transferred to other divisions of the European Commission.

According to the publication, one of the factors behind the cuts was pressure from Germany and other EU countries demanding a reduction in administrative costs.

Another reason diplomats cite is the struggle between Callas and the head of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, for control over EU foreign policy.