The Commission has also adopted a proposal for a regulation on the protection of the environment.
"The recurring debate about cuts in development cooperation and humanitarian aid is a sign of political shortsightedness and economic naivety," the organizations stated further. "We live in an interconnected world with global competition for markets and resources." A withdrawal by Germany would have "negative consequences for our economy and our reputation as a reliable partner globally."
Other signatories include the organizations Global Citizen, the German Foundation for World Population, The One Campaign, and the International Rescue Committee Germany. The background of the appeal is planned reductions in development cooperation and humanitarian aid in the federal budget for the coming year.
There has been a months-long dispute within the federal government over the draft budget for 2025. The coalition leaders agreed on guidelines in July, which also include the cuts demanded by Finance Minister Christian Lindner (FDP).
The Foreign Office and the Ministry of Development criticized the plans. The Greens and SPD announced significant need for renegotiation in the Bundestag. The budget will be discussed and decided there after the summer break in November.
The aid agency associated with the International Rescue Committee Germany signed the appeal, expressing concern over the proposed cuts in development cooperation and humanitarian aid. If Germany were to withdraw funding, it could negatively impact both the economy and the nation's reputation as a reliable partner in global aid efforts.
