Media: European Commission weighs restructuring of external policy departments

The European Commission is considering a significant restructuring of its external policy departments as part of a broader internal reform aimed at strengthening the institution's global role, according to three European Union officials speaking to Politico.

One proposal under review would combine several policy units into a single, expanded department responsible for external relations, with the goal of maximising the Commission's international policy reach. The review is being led by Budget Commissioner Piotr Serafin as part of what officials described as a large-scale institutional reform process.

According to the officials, the proposed department could incorporate all or parts of the Commission's Directorate-General for Trade (DG TRADE) and the Directorate-General for the Middle East, North Africa and the Gulf (DG MENA). Other options being considered include reorganising departments along geographic or thematic lines.

If adopted, the proposal could intensify concerns over a potential overlap of responsibilities between the European Commission and the European External Action Service (EEAS), the EU's diplomatic arm.

Some elements of the review are expected to be presented to Commission staff during an all-staff meeting on July 13, with European commissioners due to receive briefings in the following weeks.

Responding to questions about the reform plans, a European Commission spokesperson said the review is intended to improve the institution's effectiveness.

“This review is an important internal exercise for the institution. It is about making the organisation stronger, more agile and better equipped to service European citizens in a rapidly changing world.”

By Sabina Mammadli