Germany Cuts Aid Budget by 8 Billion Euros Amid Global Crisis Surge

Germany Slashes Aid and Development Budget Amid Rising Global Crises BERLIN, GERMANY - SEPTEMBER 21, 2025 - The German government has drastically cut the budget of the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) by 8 billion euros to just under 10 billion euros, sparking concerns about the impact on international cooperation. According to Development Minister Reen Alabali Radovan, the budget reduction will affect various projects, including those aimed at combating hunger and malnutrition. "My budget is down by around 910 million compared to the previous year," she stated in a speech to the German parliament. "In view of increasing crises, Germany is investing far less in international cooperation than is actually urgently needed." The cuts come as the world grapples with multiple crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, and rising conflicts. Alabali Radovan emphasized that the measures will not hinder German development policy but acknowledged the need for increased investment in international cooperation. In a statement, she highlighted the contrast between Germany's aid cuts and those made by the Trump administration in the United States. "We are a long way off American conditions and that's how it should be," she stressed. She also pointed to the impact of Trump's policies on countries like Kenya, where over 700,000 refugees have been directly affected. The BMZ budget reduction is part of a broader trend of aid cuts in developed countries. According to a report by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), many countries are reducing their development assistance budgets due to economic constraints. Background and Context Germany's decision to slash its aid and development budget has sparked concerns among development experts and organizations working on the ground. The BMZ is responsible for implementing Germany's international cooperation policy, which includes providing humanitarian aid, supporting sustainable development, and promoting human rights. The cuts are likely to affect various projects, including those focused on poverty reduction, education, and healthcare. Development Minister Alabali Radovan has stated that the measures will not impact existing commitments but may limit new initiatives. Additional Perspectives Experts warn that the aid cuts could have far-reaching consequences for vulnerable communities around the world. "Reducing aid budgets at a time of increasing global crises is short-sighted and counterproductive," said Dr. Maria Rodriguez, a development expert at the University of Berlin. "It will only exacerbate poverty, inequality, and conflict." Current Status and Next Developments The BMZ budget reduction has sparked an intense debate in Germany about the country's role in international cooperation. Development Minister Alabali Radovan has vowed to continue advocating for increased investment in development assistance. As the global community grapples with rising crises, experts emphasize the need for sustained support for international cooperation. "Aid cuts are a short-term solution that will only lead to long-term problems," said Dr. Rodriguez. "Germany and other developed countries must prioritize investment in development assistance to address the root causes of poverty and inequality." The BMZ budget reduction is set to take effect on January 1, 2026. Development Minister Alabali Radovan has promised to work closely with international partners to mitigate the impact of the cuts. Sources German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) University of Berlin Development experts and organizations working on the ground *Reporting by Dw.*