Strong reactions have sparked the decision of the German Foreign Ministry to abolish non-governmental organizations funding programs (NGO), which are active in rescuing refugees in the Mediterranean.
The suspension of the disposal of funds to NGOs to rescue refugees at the sea results from the budget plan of the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Germany, filed with the Bundestag and no longer includes funds to support corresponding organizations.
«I do not consider this to be included in the responsibilities of the Foreign Ministry“, Said Minister Johann Vandeful, defending his decision, and reminded that he has previously criticized the practice, believing that the Foreign Ministry funds are not intended for this use.
“Germany, however, remains committed to humanity and will always support it everywhere in the world,” the minister said, adding that his policy would aim for “using diplomatic means to ensure that such refugee movements can be limited.” Germany must be active where the need is greater, as in Sudan and South Sudanclarified.
It is recalled that in 2022 funding had been approved by two million euros per year for the period 2023-2026. Initially, the money was to be entirely available to German rescue initiatives.
Following a strong criticism, the Foreign Ministry decided to give about a quarter of the money to the Catholic community of Sant Eccidio for the care of people seeking protection in Italy.
In 2023 and 2024 marine rescue initiatives were funded, such as SOS Humanity, Sea-Eye and SOS Mediterranean. According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the Mediterranean is one of the most dangerous refugee routes in the world.
More than 32,200 people have lost their lives or are ignored during the Mediterranean crossing since 2014. Only this year, the IOM recorded 748 deaths or missing. For about ten years, civil society organizations have been involved in rescuing people at risk at sea.
The government’s decision has sparked strong criticism of these organizations, with example SOS Humanity CEO, Til Roumenhol said that “It is absurd that so much money is spent on Europe’s isolation, while so little money is obviously too much to rescue people».
He said more than 175,000 lives have been saved by maritime rescue operations since 2015, while government agencies have remained inactive.
The German Foreign Ministry had provided financial support to these organizations during the term of office of Foreign Minister Analena Berbock. The Christian Union (CDU/SCU) had then repeatedly criticized, accusing maritime rescue organizations of promoting irregular migration to Europe.