Call for Restructuring Development Policy: Abolishment of BMZ and Integration of Development Aid into Foreign Office and Economic Ministry
Introduction
On January 13, 2025, Drucksachen published an article titled “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).” The article presents a proposal to restructure German development policy, advocating for the abolition of the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the integration of development aid into the Foreign Office and the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action.
Rationale for the Proposal
The proposal argues that the current structure of German development policy is fragmented and inefficient. The BMZ’s mandate is limited to economic cooperation and development, while other ministries handle related areas such as foreign policy, trade, and climate change. This fragmentation, it is argued, leads to overlaps and a lack of coordination.
The proposal also highlights the need for a more strategic approach to development aid. By integrating it into the Foreign Office, development cooperation could be better aligned with Germany’s overall foreign policy goals. Similarly, integrating it into the Economic Affairs Ministry would strengthen the focus on economic development and climate action.
Proposed Changes
The proposal outlines specific changes to the structure and responsibilities of German ministries that would implement the restructuring:
- Abolish BMZ: The Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development would be abolished.
- Development Aid to Foreign Office: The Foreign Office would take over responsibility for development cooperation, including policy planning and implementation.
- Aid to Economic Affairs Ministry: The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action would take over responsibility for economic development and climate action-related aspects of development aid.
- Coordination Mechanism: A new inter-ministerial coordination mechanism would be established to ensure coherence and cooperation between the Foreign Office and Economic Affairs Ministry on development policy.
Expected Benefits
The proposal claims that the proposed restructuring would bring several benefits, including:
- Improved Coordination: The integration of development aid into key ministries would reduce fragmentation and improve coordination between different policy areas.
- Strategic Focus: Development cooperation would be more closely aligned with Germany’s foreign policy and economic development goals.
- Increased Efficiency: The elimination of the BMZ would streamline bureaucracy and potentially reduce administrative costs.
- Greater Accountability: The concentration of development aid responsibilities in two main ministries would enhance accountability and transparency.
Assessment
The proposal to restructure German development policy has sparked debate. Some experts support the need for a more strategic and efficient approach to development aid. Others express concerns about the potential loss of focus on development cooperation and the impact on existing programs and partnerships.
The proposal is currently under consideration by the German government. It is unclear at this time whether or how the restructuring will be implemented or what specific changes will be made. Detailed discussions, consultations, and evaluations are expected to take place before any final decisions are made.
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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Drucksachen a new article on 2025-01-13 11:00 titled “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)”. Please write a detailed article on this news item, including any relevant information. Answers should be in English.
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