The German Ministry of Foreign Affairs has decided to abolish funding programs for non-governmental organisations active in helping illegal immigrants in the Mediterranean, sparking strong reactions.

“I don’t consider this to be part of the Foreign Ministry’s responsibilities,” said Minister Johan Vandevol, defending his decision and recalling that he himself has criticized the practice in the past, considering that Foreign Ministry funds are not intended for this use. “Germany, however, remains committed to humanitarianism and will always support it everywhere in the world,” the minister said, adding that his policy would aim to “use diplomatic means to ensure that such refugee movements can be curbed.” Germany must be active where the need is greatest, such as in Sudan, he explained.

The suspension of funds for rescuing refugees at sea follows the draft budget of the Federal Foreign Ministry, which was submitted to the Bundestag and no longer includes funds to support similar organizations. In 2022, funding of two million euros per year for the period 2023-2026 was approved. Originally, the money was to be allocated entirely to German rescue initiatives. After strong criticism, the Foreign Ministry decided to give about a quarter of the money to the Catholic community of Sant’Egidio to care for people seeking protection in Italy. In 2023 and 2024, maritime rescue initiatives such as SOS Humanity, Sea-Eye and SOS Méditerranée were funded. According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the Mediterranean is one of the most dangerous illegal immigrant routes in the world.

The German foreign ministry had provided financial support to these agencies during the tenure of Foreign Minister Annalena Berbock. The Christian Union (CDU/SCU) had then repeatedly criticized the organizations, accusing the sea rescue organizations of promoting irregular migration to Europe.