Brussels – A coalition of nine European Union member states is challenging a proposal from the bloc’s executive branch to add 2,500 new positions within EU institutions, as budget negotiations intensify. The pushback, detailed in a letter seen by AFP on Friday, centers on concerns that the staffing increase is inconsistent with stated goals of efficiency and fiscal responsibility.

The proposed budget, totaling EUR 2 trillion for the period 2028-2034, aims to bolster the EU’s governing bodies, which currently employ approximately 51,000 people. However, the objecting nations argue that expanding the workforce runs counter to efforts to streamline operations and maintain budgetary restraint. This debate over EU staffing levels comes as member states grapple with competing priorities and economic pressures.

Spearheading the opposition is Austria, a nation known for its fiscally conservative stance. The letter was too signed by the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Latvia, the Netherlands, and Sweden. The group contends that the proposed increase doesn’t align with commitments to “efficiency, restraint and reform.”

The European Commission defends the proposed staffing increase, asserting it is necessary to address a growing “capacity gap.” According to a spokesperson, Balazs Ujvari, the EU is facing “more work, more duties to deliver on, but not more staff members.” He stated that the new budget proposal is specifically designed to address this imbalance.

Austria Leads Call for Fiscal Prudence

Austria’s leading role in this challenge reflects a broader trend within the EU towards greater fiscal discipline. The country, as a member of the European Union since January 1, 1995, consistently advocates for responsible spending and efficient governance. According to data from the European Union, Austria’s GDP per capita stands at €45,700, exceeding the EU average of €38,100 (European Union, 2024). This economic strength may contribute to its willingness to question budgetary expansions.

Impact on EU Operations and Policy Goals

The dispute over staffing levels has potential implications for the EU’s ability to implement its ambitious policy agenda. Areas such as the green transition, digital transformation, and security initiatives all require dedicated personnel to manage and oversee. A failure to adequately staff these areas could hinder progress towards achieving the EU’s stated objectives. The European Parliament currently has 20 representatives from Austria (European Union, 2024), and their ability to effectively contribute to legislative processes could be affected by broader institutional capacity constraints.

Latvia, one of the signatories to the letter, also maintains a strong diplomatic presence within the EU, with its interests communicated through its permanent representation in Brussels (Permanent Representation of Austria to the European Union). The coordinated effort by these nine nations signals a united front in advocating for a more cautious approach to budgetary allocations.

What to Watch Next

The coming weeks will be crucial as negotiations continue on the EU’s multi-annual financial framework. The outcome of these discussions will not only determine the size of the EU’s workforce but also shape its ability to address pressing challenges and deliver on its commitments to citizens. Further developments are expected as the Council of the EU, where national ministers meet to adopt EU laws and coordinate policies, considers the budget proposal (European Union, 2024). The Danish Presidency of the Council of the EU, which began on July 1st, 2025, will play a key role in mediating the debate and seeking a compromise that satisfies all member states.

What are your thoughts on the proposed EU staffing increase? Share your opinions in the comments below, and please share this article with your network.

Riga – Latvia is preparing to tighten regulations surrounding the admission and monitoring of international students, responding to growing concerns about potential vulnerabilities in the system. Proposed amendments to both the Immigration Law and the Higher Education Law aim to increase university responsibility throughout the student lifecycle, from initial application to ongoing academic performance. The move comes as Latvian authorities seek to balance the benefits of international education with the need for greater control and security.

The proposed changes signal a shift towards a more proactive approach to managing international student populations. Key among the planned measures is a requirement for students expelled from Latvian higher education institutions to return to their home country before being eligible to reapply. This aims to prevent students from repeatedly attempting to enroll after facing academic or disciplinary issues. A minimum average grade of 60 percent in relevant subject areas is being considered as a modern admission benchmark.

Universities could too face restrictions on future recruitment if a significant proportion of their invited students are denied visas. Specifically, institutions will be barred from extending new invitations if more than 30 percent of previously invited students have been refused entry. The Cabinet of Ministers is also developing regulations to standardize English language proficiency requirements, accepting only internationally recognized certificates, and mandating at least an A2 level proficiency in Latvian for all foreign students. These measures are part of a broader strategy to ensure students are adequately prepared for academic life and integration into Latvian society.

Alongside these specific regulations, the Ministry of Education and Science is developing a comprehensive strategy for the internationalization of higher education. This strategy will focus on identifying key target countries for student recruitment and implementing a data-driven approach to assess the quality of education and research, as well as track the career paths of international graduates. The goal is to attract students who are likely to contribute positively to the Latvian economy and academic community.

Riga Technical University Adjusts Internationalization Focus

Riga Technical University (RTU), a major destination for international students, has already begun to adjust its internationalization policy. RTU is prioritizing quality, safety, and a more targeted approach to attracting students, according to a statement. The university is gradually reducing its intake of students from non-EU countries while increasing recruitment from within the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA), and countries with established economic ties. Currently, students from 106 countries study at RTU, representing approximately one-fifth of the total student population.

RTU Rector Talis Juhna stated the university is focused on attracting talented individuals and aspires to rank among the top 500 universities globally. To achieve this, RTU is raising entrance examination requirements, emphasizing a strong foundation in science subjects, and increasing the proportion of students pursuing Master’s and PhD degrees. The university’s shift reflects a broader trend towards attracting higher-caliber students who are more likely to succeed academically and contribute to research.

Increased Scrutiny and Monitoring of Student Attendance

The proposed changes extend beyond admissions and academic standards to include increased monitoring of student activity. The Ministry of the Interior has submitted proposals to amend the Immigration Law to require universities to notify the State Border Guard within three days – a reduction from the current 14 days – if a third-country student unjustifiably misses lectures. This aims to provide quicker alerts regarding potential issues with student compliance and residency status. These proposals are currently with the Saeima for a third reading.

These amendments complement an existing action plan developed by the Interior Ministry and approved by the Cabinet of Ministers to strengthen control over third-country nationals. According to data from the Central Statistical Office, around 4,000 mobility students began their studies at Latvian universities in the academic year 2025/2026, a 2.4 percent increase from the previous year. A total of 11,900 students who received their prior education abroad are currently enrolled in Latvian institutions, with the majority pursuing degrees in social sciences, business, healthcare, and STEM fields.

The largest numbers of international students come from India, Uzbekistan, Sweden, Ukraine, and Germany. RTU and Riga Stradins University together account for nearly half of all mobility students. The government’s actions reflect a growing awareness of the need to balance the economic and cultural benefits of international education with the importance of maintaining security and ensuring the integrity of the higher education system.

As these legislative proposals move forward, Latvian universities are preparing to adapt to a new landscape of increased oversight and accountability in international student admissions and management. The coming months will be crucial in determining the long-term impact of these changes on the country’s higher education sector and its role in attracting global talent.

Share your thoughts on these developments in the comments below.

What is the Military Schengen and how will it affect EU defense cooperation?

EU Aims for Military Schengen: Common Mobility Area Likely Approved This Year

The european Union is on the cusp of a significant shift in defense and security cooperation, with the anticipated approval of a “Military Schengen” area this year. This initiative, formally known as the Strategic Compass, aims to streamline the movement of military personnel and equipment across member states, fostering faster response times and enhanced interoperability. It represents a major step towards a more unified European defense policy, particularly relevant given the evolving geopolitical landscape and ongoing security challenges.

What is the Military Schengen?

unlike the traditional Schengen Area focused on civilian travel, the Military Schengen prioritizes the unimpeded movement of armed forces, defense equipment, and related logistics. Currently, moving military assets across borders within the EU can be a bureaucratic hurdle, involving complex permitting processes and varying national regulations.This new framework seeks to eliminate those obstacles.

Key features of the proposed system include:

* Simplified Border Crossings: Reduced administrative procedures and standardized documentation for military personnel and equipment.

* Harmonized regulations: Alignment of national rules regarding military transport, including road weights, dimensions, and escort requirements.

* Pre-Defined Transit Routes: Establishment of designated corridors for rapid deployment, minimizing delays.

* Mutual Recognition of Authorizations: Acceptance of permits issued by one member state across the entire participating area.

The Strategic Compass: Driving Force behind the Change

the Military Schengen isn’t appearing in a vacuum. It’s a core component of the EU’s Strategic Compass, adopted in March 2022. This landmark document outlines the EU’s security and defense ambitions for the next decade, identifying critical shortfalls and proposing concrete actions to address them. the war in Ukraine served as a catalyst, accelerating the need for greater european strategic autonomy and a more robust collective defense capability.

The Strategic Compass identified three key areas for action:

1. Investing in Capabilities: Increasing defense spending and focusing on critical technologies.
2. Strengthening Resilience: Protecting critical infrastructure and countering hybrid threats.
3. Enhancing Response Capacity: Improving the EU’s ability to deploy forces rapidly and effectively – where the Military Schengen plays a crucial role.

Impact on EU Defense cooperation

the implications of a fully implemented Military Schengen are far-reaching. It’s expected to substantially improve the EU’s ability to respond to crises, both within and outside its borders.

* Faster Deployment: Reduced transit times will allow for quicker deployment of forces to address emerging threats or provide humanitarian assistance.

* Enhanced Interoperability: Streamlined logistics and standardized procedures will facilitate joint military exercises and operations.

* Increased deterrence: A more mobile and responsive EU defense force will enhance the Union’s ability to deter potential aggressors.

* Cost Savings: Reduced administrative burdens and optimized transport routes will lead to cost efficiencies.

Addressing Concerns and Challenges

While the Military Schengen is widely seen as a positive development, some challenges and concerns remain.

* National Sovereignty: Balancing the need for greater integration with the preservation of national sovereignty is a delicate issue. Member states are understandably cautious about ceding control over their military movements.

* Infrastructure Limitations: Some EU countries may lack the necessary infrastructure – roads, bridges, rail networks – to accommodate large-scale military deployments. Investment in infrastructure upgrades will be essential.

* Cybersecurity Risks: Ensuring the security of interaction and logistics systems is paramount, particularly in the face of growing cyber threats.

* Implementation Delays: Translating the framework into practical implementation across all member states will require significant coordination and political will.

Real-World Examples & Precedents

The concept of facilitating military mobility isn’t entirely new. NATO has long-established procedures for moving forces across member states, but these are often complex and require extensive negotiations. The EU’s initiative aims to build upon these existing frameworks, creating a more streamlined and EU-centric system.

In 2022, several EU member states participated in joint military exercises designed to test the feasibility of simplified border crossings and harmonized regulations. These exercises provided valuable insights and helped identify areas for improvement. Germany, for example, has been a strong advocate for the Military Schengen, recognizing its importance for enhancing european security.

The Role of the european Defence Fund

The European Defence Fund (EDF) is playing a vital role in supporting the development of technologies and capabilities that will underpin the Military Schengen. The EDF provides funding for collaborative defense projects, encouraging innovation and fostering closer cooperation between member states. Projects related to military transport, logistics, and infrastructure are eligible for EDF funding, helping to accelerate the implementation of the Military Schengen.

What This Means for Businesses

while primarily focused on defense, the Military Schengen could have indirect benefits for businesses involved in logistics, transportation, and infrastructure development. Increased demand for specialized transport services, infrastructure upgrades, and cybersecurity solutions could create new opportunities for companies operating in these sectors. Businesses should monitor developments closely and be prepared to adapt to the changing landscape.

looking Ahead: Timeline and Next Steps

The EU is aiming to finalize the legal framework for the Military Schengen by the end of 2026, with full implementation expected in the following years. Key next steps include:

* Finalizing Legal Texts: Reaching agreement on the specific regulations and procedures governing military mobility.

* National Implementation: Transposing the EU framework into national law.

* Infrastructure Investments: Upgrading transport infrastructure to accommodate military deployments.

* Regular Monitoring and Evaluation: Assessing the effectiveness of the system and making adjustments as needed.

The approval of the Military Schengen represents a pivotal moment for European defense cooperation. By removing barriers to military mobility, the EU is taking a significant step towards a more secure and resilient future.