Germany Ends Funding Migrant Sea Rescues Shifts Aid Source Countries

Germany has decided to cut financial support for charities conducting sea rescues of migrants in the Mediterranean, redirecting resources toward addressing root causes in the migrants' source countries. Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul emphasized that while Germany remains committed to humanitarian aid, it is not the foreign office's responsibility to fund sea rescue operations, highlighting the need to focus on areas with the greatest need such as the humanitarian crisis in Sudan. Under the previous left-leaning government, Germany provided approximately 2 million euros annually to NGOs like Sea-Eye, which has been a key funding source for rescuing migrants at sea. The conservative government led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz, elected on a platform to curb irregular migration, argues that sea rescues may incentivize dangerous crossings. The policy shift has faced criticism from opposition parties, particularly the Greens, who warn it could exacerbate the humanitarian crisis, with NGOs like Sea-Eye calling the decision a 'catastrophic signal' that may force them to remain in port despite emergencies. Despite falling migration numbers in recent years, migration fears continue to influence German politics, contributing to the rise of the far-right Alternative for Germany party, now the second largest in parliament.