Motion to Restructure Development Policy: Abolish the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development and Integrate Development Aid into the Foreign Office and Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action
20/14478: Antrag Entwicklungspolitik neustrukturieren- Bundesministerium für wirtschaftliche Zusammenarbeit und Entwicklung abschaffen und Entwicklungshilfe in das Auswärtige Amt und das Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Klimaschutz eingliedern (PDF)
Summary
On January 13, 2025, a motion was introduced in the German Bundestag calling for the restructuring of development policy. The motion proposes abolishing the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and integrating development aid into the Foreign Office and the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action.
Key Points
- The motion argues that the current structure of development policy is fragmented and inefficient.
- It proposes to consolidate development aid into two ministries to improve coordination and align it better with foreign policy and economic objectives.
- The Foreign Office would be responsible for development aid related to diplomacy and international affairs.
- The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action would oversee development aid related to trade, investment, and climate change.
- The motion also calls for a review of development aid programs to ensure they are effective and sustainable.
Background
The BMZ was established in 1961 to manage Germany’s development cooperation. It has a budget of over 12 billion euros per year and provides financial and technical assistance to developing countries.
However, the motion argues that the BMZ has become increasingly bureaucratic and disconnected from the realities of development challenges. It points to examples of projects that have failed or had limited impact due to poor coordination and a lack of accountability.
Reactions
The motion has received mixed reactions. Some development organizations have welcomed the proposal, arguing that it could improve the efficiency and effectiveness of development aid.
However, other organizations have expressed concerns, arguing that the abolition of the BMZ would weaken Germany’s commitment to international development and undermine the independence of development policy.
The German government has not yet taken a position on the motion. It is expected to be debated in the Bundestag in the coming months.
Significance
If passed, the motion would represent a significant shift in German development policy. It would be the first time that the BMZ has been abolished since its establishment in 1961.
The restructuring would have implications for the way development aid is delivered and managed in Germany. It could lead to a more integrated and strategic approach to development cooperation.
Conclusion
The motion to restructure development policy is a significant proposal that has the potential to reshape Germany’s approach to international development. It is likely to be debated in the Bundestag in the coming months, and its outcome will be closely watched by development organizations and policymakers around the world.
20/14478: Antrag Entwicklungspolitik neustrukturieren- Bundesministerium für wirtschaftliche Zusammenarbeit und Entwicklung abschaffen und Entwicklungshilfe in das Auswärtige Amt und das Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Klimaschutz eingliedern (PDF)
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