The federal budget of the ruling parties plans massive cuts in development aid for 2025. The budget of the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) is to be cut by almost one billion euros. This means that the BMZ, with which we have already been able to implement many projects through financial project funding, will have 8% less funding at its disposal. The funds for humanitarian aid will also be cut by 1.2 billion euros, which corresponds to a reduction of 54%. This means that only one billion euros will be available for humanitarian aid, which is the lowest level in 10 years. Currently, 700 million people around the world live in extreme poverty, 300 million are dependent on humanitarian aid and over 100 million people are seeking refuge. Extreme weather events are also on the rise worldwide. In view of the climate crisis and global conflicts (e.g. in Gaza, Ukraine or Sudan), it can be assumed that these figures will continue to rise. International cooperation and financial resources are needed to counteract this. However, the federal budget for 2025 also provides for less funding for international climate and environmental protection. In order to be able to support people in disadvantaged situations, we also need active people and volunteers to take up the cause. A lot of time and commitment is required to develop and implement ideas. And money is needed to ultimately finance these projects. Therefore, development funds and funds for humanitarian aid are not items that can and should be cut. There is talk in our national media of a “shift to the right”, which is evident from the latest election results. However, intensive border controls aimed at sealing off and deterring people while at the same time cutting funding for development cooperation is certainly too short-sighted. Such measures in no way do justice to the basic problem of poverty and disadvantage, but instead lead to a worsening of the situation and increasing flows of refugees. People in precarious situations need humanitarian support, financial aid and prospects that enable them to live a dignified life. From our work and the experience we have gained with our project partners, we know that financial resources are an essential basis in development cooperation in order to be able to implement support in a targeted manner.
Source: Verband Entwicklungspolitik und Humanitäre Hilfe deutscher Nichtregierungsorganisationen e.V. (VENRO) – Goltermann, L. (2024): ANALYSIS OF FEDERAL BUDGET DRAFT 2025. Berlin. https://venro.org/fileadmin/user_upload/VENRO_Analyse_Bundeshaushaltsentwurf_2025.pdf (retrieved on 05.10.2024)