Germany is set to overhaul its foreign aid strategy, linking funding to the willingness of recipient countries to accept deported migrants. As part of a major reconfiguration of the nation’s foreign policy, the incoming coalition government under Christian Democratic Union (CDU) leader Friedrich Merz has announced a significant reduction in its foreign aid budget. This change marks a sharp shift from the country’s long-standing tradition as one of the world’s largest donors.
The coalition, which includes the Social Democratic Party (SPD), has pledged to initiate regular deportation flights to Syria and Afghanistan, with the aim of returning migrants who no longer have the right to stay in Germany. This new policy will be supported by a restructured foreign aid program, with funding increasingly linked to how cooperative countries are in accepting deported individuals. In a bold move, the coalition has vowed to use all available leverage, including foreign aid, to encourage cooperation from nations in the deportation process.
Friedrich Merz, who is campaigning to become chancellor following the May 7 elections, has dubbed this approach a “deportation offensive.” In a recent press conference, Merz stated that the coalition’s plan focuses on national interests, such as securing strategic materials and ensuring energy access, in addition to migration control. The new policy emphasizes a “fundamental change” in how Germany allocates foreign aid, marking a shift towards prioritizing geopolitical and economic interests over traditional aid commitments.
The German government has long been one of the world’s top contributors to foreign aid, spending more than 0.8% of its GDP on international assistance in recent years, second only to the United States. However, the new coalition government’s budget will see significant cuts to foreign aid, with funds now redirected toward domestic priorities, such as tax relief for the restaurant industry and an increase in the “mothers’ pension” for women who took time off to raise children.
This policy shift comes in the wake of similar moves by other Western countries, such as the United States under the Trump administration and the United Kingdom, which have reduced their foreign aid spending. Critics, however, are concerned about the long-term consequences of these cuts. Humanitarian organizations, such as the ONE Campaign and Venro, have criticized the decision, calling it short-sighted and detrimental to global development efforts. Lisa Ditlmann, a representative from the ONE Campaign, warned that such a move would send the wrong message at a critical time for international cooperation.
Germany’s new policy also has the potential to reshape its foreign relations. The CDU-SPD coalition’s focus on strategic partnerships and national interests could shift Germany’s diplomatic stance, especially in its dealings with countries in the “global south.” Critics, including Michael Herbst from Venro, fear that reducing aid could open the door for autocratic regimes to gain influence in these regions, undermining Germany’s global standing.
On the European stage, Merz’s coalition is also positioning itself to play a more influential role. The government aims to rebuild relationships with key European nations like France and Poland, with a particular focus on improving ties with Poland. This is expected to culminate in a national memorial to Polish victims of Nazi occupation, marking a new chapter in German-Polish relations.
Despite the hard stance on foreign aid and migration, the coalition has softened its rhetoric on relations with the United States and China. The coalition agreement calls for continued cooperation with the U.S., acknowledging the importance of the transatlantic partnership, despite the challenges posed by shifting global dynamics.
