Germany Cuts Aid Budget by Billions Amid Rising Global Crises
BERLIN, GERMANY - September 21, 2025 - The German government has slashed the budget of its Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) by a significant 8%, reducing it to just under €10 billion. This drastic cut is expected to impact various aid projects worldwide, including those in crisis-stricken regions.
According to Development Minister Reen Alabali Radovan (SPD), the budget reduction of around €910 million compared to last year's allocation will have far-reaching consequences. "In view of increasing crises, Germany is investing far less in international cooperation than is actually urgently needed," she stated during a parliamentary session. Despite these concerns, Alabali Radavan emphasized that the measures would not hinder German development policy.
The decision has sparked debate among aid organizations and experts, who warn that reduced funding will exacerbate existing humanitarian issues worldwide. The World Food Programme (WFP) estimates that 828 million people suffer from hunger globally, with millions more at risk due to conflicts, climate change, and economic instability.
In a stark example of the impact of previous aid cuts, Alabali Radovan referenced the effects of Donald Trump's administration's massive reductions in international assistance. "In Kenya, over 700,000 refugees, many from Somalia, have been directly affected by these drastic measures," she noted.
Background research reveals that Germany has traditionally played a significant role in global development efforts, with its BMZ providing crucial support to various projects worldwide. The ministry's reduced budget will likely affect initiatives addressing hunger, poverty, and climate change, among other pressing issues.
Aid organizations have expressed concerns about the implications of this decision on their work. "We are worried that these cuts will not only harm those we aim to help but also undermine our ability to respond effectively to emerging crises," said a spokesperson for Welthungerhilfe, an organization working in Congo and other regions.
The current status of aid projects worldwide remains uncertain as the German government continues to review its development policy. Alabali Radovan has pledged to maintain transparency throughout the process, assuring lawmakers that her ministry will adapt to the new budget constraints while ensuring continued support for international cooperation.
As global crises escalate, this significant reduction in Germany's aid budget raises questions about the country's commitment to addressing pressing humanitarian issues worldwide. The impact of these cuts on vulnerable populations and the effectiveness of development efforts remains a pressing concern for policymakers, aid organizations, and experts alike.
Attributions:
Development Minister Reen Alabali Radovan (SPD)
World Food Programme (WFP)
Welthungerhilfe
*Reporting by Dw.*
