The European Commission said that ‘reflections are ongoing’ over the downsizing of the international hubs under the department for international partnerships.
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00:00The European Commission's Directorate General for International Partnerships plans to reduce
00:13its offices worldwide, cutting from 100 to 18 centers, according to an internal document
00:20seen by Euronews.
00:22This is due to budget cuts and changing geopolitical priorities.
00:26The Commission wants to centralize operations to have more control from its headquarters
00:31in Brussels, according to some sources.
00:34The 18 centers would be located in Africa, Asia, South America and the Caribbean, including
00:40key countries for managing migration, like Senegal and Ghana.
00:44The Commission has not confirmed these details.
00:51We do not comment on any leaked documents, so reflections are ongoing between us.
00:56The Commission decision has been taken.
01:00Also these leaked documents are not reflecting the current discussions that we are having.
01:06The DGINTPA is responsible for the EU's international partnerships and development policies.
01:13It oversees initiatives such as the Global Gateway, the European strategy aimed at mobilizing
01:19up to 300 billion euros in investments in digital energy, transport, health and education
01:25sectors.
01:26This restructuring, according to the Commission, would not weaken the EU's influence worldwide.
01:33Our presence on the ground will be maintained.
01:36The EU delegations play an essential and important role in the representation of the European
01:42Union.
01:43So they are the front line of our relationship and outreach with partners globally.
01:51So taking into account budget realities and the political priorities, work is ongoing
01:58to ensure how our delegation network is able to effectively deliver on all EU policies.
02:07Additionally, INTPA's activities would be managed by the European External Action Service,
02:14with the EU delegation offices under the direction of the EU's top diplomat, High Representative
02:20Kaja Kalas.