As part of the government spending review the Farnesina has proposed savings totalling 108 million euros over three years, with initiatives including “a review of the economic conditions of personnel abroad, a keenly felt topic to which we are responding”. These were some of the comments made by Minister Mogherini at the hearing before the Chamber and Senate Foreign Affairs Committees.
Savings totalling 108 million euros over three years
The Farnesina’s proposals envisage “savings of 16 million euros in 2014, 42 million in 2015 and 52 million in 2016, making a total of 108 million over three years”, noted Mogherini. The cuts will entail “a reorganisation of the consular and cultural diplomatic network, sustainable contributions to international organisations, a rationalisation of our real estate assets abroad and a review of the economic conditions of our personnel abroad”, specified the Minister.
Spending 25% down on 2008 level
“Compared with 2008, ourbudget has been cut by 25%. This makes the Farnesina one of Italy’s lowest-spending ministries. Our budget equates to 0.2% of state spending, or 0.1% of GDP”, underscored Minister Mogherini. She pointed out that France devotes 1/8% of its GDP to diplomacy, and Germany 1.1%. “The Farnesina has already contributed to the public spending review in recent years. We have cut staffing levels, with 20% fewer diplomatic and 10% fewer officials, and have made savings in our network abroad”, added the Minister, who reiterated that the Foreign Ministry works “with already reduced resources in the face of growing challenges”.
