European diplomats to ditch parties to save money
EU diplomats have been advised to avoid travel, parties and postpone plans to renovate their residences to save costs.
The European External Action Service has been ordered to cut spending by €43.6 million.
This amount is almost five percent of the originally planned amount, the Financial Times reveals, citing five sources.
The budget plan for 2021-2027 provides for an annual increase in EU departments' expenditure of two percent.
According to sources, this year the overspending in the ESVS was the highest. Therefore, the diplomats were sent an order.
According to the recommendation, the EEAS had to significantly reduce expenses and cut funding for 145 foreign missions.
If budgetary resources are further cut, it will be difficult for the EEAS to maintain its diplomatic presence in a number of African countries.
