Germany’s foreign minister has defended the government’s decision to end state funding for non-governmental organizations (NGOs) operating sea rescue missions in the Mediterranean. The policy shift aims to reallocate resources towards other international priorities, the ministry stated. The move has sparked immediate concerns from humanitarian groups and several European allies, who warn that the loss of financial support could lead to a worsening humanitarian crisis at sea. The government maintains that this decision does not compromise the overall commitment to migration management and international solidarity.
The decision to cut funds is part of a broader effort to reform Germany’s foreign aid strategy. Officials have emphasized that while NGOs will no longer receive financial backing, the government remains committed to ensuring safe migration pathways through existing refugee and asylum frameworks. Critics, however, argue that the withdrawal of financial support may leave thousands of migrants in vulnerable positions, particularly during the high-risk sea crossings from North Africa to Europe. This development comes as the European Union faces growing challenges in managing migration flows and addressing the humanitarian needs of displaced populations.