BRUSSELS (Reuters) - European Union countries' budget cuts have eaten into layers of government that need now to be reinforced given their vital role in the transition to a more green and digital economy, a senior EU official said.

Elisa Ferreira, European commissioner for cohesion and reforms, said the cuts in particular during the euro zone crisis from 2009 to the mid-2010s had resulted in reduced staff in public administration and delayed training or introduction of new technologies.