The European Union wants to consolidate management of its foreign aid into 18 regional hubs and may pull all development experts from some countries in a move staff unions say could diminish Europe’s global role and make its work less effective.
An internal EU staff document, “Revamping the Delegation Network,” seen by Devex, argues that the current system of development experts working in “cooperation sections” in 100 EU delegations is “not fit for the purpose” of implementing the bloc’s fledgling “Global Gateway” investment strategy.
The plan, which has yet to be rolled out, would have far-ranging consequences for EU development officials around the world and those who deal with them. Vital planning, budgeting, and evaluation work would be centralized, likely leading to fewer jobs in fewer countries, and a reduction in local staff members.