International cooperation and humanitarian aid have long been foundational pillars in supporting developing countries. These efforts play a vital role in improving living conditions, reducing inequality, and fostering stronger connections across borders.
However, this essential support now faces significant challenges. The German government’s draft budget for 2025 proposes substantial reductions to the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). Since 2021, the BMZ’s budget has been reduced from €13.385 billion to a proposed €10.3 billion for 2025, representing a cut of more than €3 billion. These reductions are compounded by similar budget decreases from other major donors, including the United States through its USAID program, placing international development cooperation and humanitarian aid under considerable strain.
With years of on-the-ground experience, we at the IB understand firsthand how crucial this funding is. It provides vital assistance to individuals facing poverty, crises, and displacement, particularly marginalized groups who often lack adequate protection in their own countries. These budget cuts do not merely diminish financial resources; they threaten to weaken long-standing partnerships and risk reversing decades of progress.
At the IB, we have witnessed the transformative impact of sustained support. Our projects have strengthened public institutions, modernized social services, trained young professionals, and fostered meaningful collaboration between communities and nations. This work advances not only development but also democracy, inclusion, and peace.
For these reasons, we firmly believe that continued financial commitment to international cooperation and humanitarian aid is indispensable. We call upon the German government to reconsider these proposed cuts and to uphold its leadership role in building a more just, peaceful, and sustainable global future.