Facing budget cuts, Germany’s Minister for Development, Reem Alabali Radovan, is spearheading structural reforms within her ministry. In an interview with the Tagesspiegel, she stated the goal is to “restructure German development policy” emphasizing the need to “achieve as much as possible with less funding”. This necessitates increased efficiency and maximizing the impact of every euro spent.
A key component of this restructuring involves a deliberate assessment of areas where future support will be discontinued. Minister Radovan stressed that this decision-making process must be considered, given the potential ramifications for partner nations and Germany’s international standing. Initial results are expected before the year’s end.
Reflecting a shift in priorities, the ministry will focus aid, particularly concerning displacement and migration, on regions within Europe’s neighborhood; specifically, the Near and Middle East, the Horn of Africa and the Sahel zone.
Minister Radovan confirmed ongoing German support for the Palestinian territories ahead of an upcoming United Nations conference aimed at facilitating a two-state solution, defending the commitment against questioning. She voiced concerns about the escalating crisis in the Palestinian territories, stating they are nearing a “critical turning point.
The situation in the Gaza Strip was described as “absolutely devastating”. A recent visit to the West Bank highlighted the imminent risk of financial collapse for the Palestinian Authority due to the Israeli government’s withholding of tax revenues since May. Consequently, the German government has reached a consensus to provide immediate financial assistance to the Palestinian Authority, with discussions ongoing amongst international partners.
Minister Radovan anticipates a significant moment at the upcoming UN conference in New York, suggesting that numerous nations will likely announce their recognition of Palestine as a state.
The German government is prioritising substantive progress towards a two-state solution and aims to prevent the conference from becoming a mere symbolic gesture. Furthermore, the government is carefully reviewing the EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s proposals for sanctions against Israel in response to the “unacceptable, current offensive in Gaza”.
