Germany has decided to end financial support for charities conducting Mediterranean Sea rescues of migrants, redirecting funds to address root causes of migration in countries of origin.
Migrants fleeing war and poverty have long undertaken dangerous sea crossings to reach Europe, with thousands dying annually. Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul stated, “Germany remains humane, but financing sea rescues isn’t the foreign office’s role.” He highlighted aid priorities, such as Sudan’s humanitarian crisis.
Previously, under a left-leaning government, Germany provided €2 million yearly to NGOs like Sea-Eye, which relied on these funds for about 10% of its €3.2 million budget. Sea-Eye claims rescue charities have saved 175,000 lives since 2015.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s conservative government, elected in February 2025 on a platform to curb irregular migration, reflects growing anti-migration sentiment in Germany. The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), now the second-largest party, has capitalized on these concerns, despite falling migration numbers.
Experts argue migration is driven by economic and humanitarian crises in source countries, not destination policies. However, German officials claim sea rescues encourage risky crossings.
Sea-Eye’s chairperson, Gorden Isler, warned that the funding cut could force boats to remain docked during emergencies. The opposition Greens, who initiated the subsidies, condemned the decision, with leader Britta Hasselmann saying it will “worsen the humanitarian crisis and deepen suffering.” [Reuters]
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