Germany Considers Cutting UN Funding After Security Council Election Loss

Following its unsuccessful bid for a seat on the United Nations Security Council, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul stated that Germany is considering reducing its financial contributions to the UN. However, Germany remains committed to fulfilling its obligations in humanitarian aid.

In an interview with Rheinische Post, Foreign Minister Wadephul said: "As one of the largest contributors, being overlooked in certain decisions—including personnel appointments—is something we cannot accept." He added that during the budget planning process, the German Bundestag will conduct "a stricter review of each individual project." At the same time, he expressed a desire to increase Germany’s funding for humanitarian assistance.

"In the UN, Germany will clearly define its position in the future," Wadephul explained. "We want our voice to be heard. Germany has its own interests and expects to be respected." He emphasized that this does not imply seeking dominance.

Two weeks ago in New York, Germany competed for one of the two non-permanent seats allocated to Western European countries for the 2027–2028 term on the UN Security Council but failed to secure it. In the secret ballot conducted at the UN General Assembly, Portugal received 134 votes, Austria 131, while Germany garnered only 104 votes—far behind both, ultimately leaving empty-handed.

Humanitarian Aid Must Not Be Reduced

Regarding potential cuts to humanitarian aid funding in Germany’s federal budget, Wadephul told Rheinische Post: "Almost every news report reminds us that we must substantially strengthen our investment in humanitarian aid in the future." The minister indicated he intends to "revisit this issue first within the cabinet, then in parliament."

"This also aligns with our own interests," the foreign minister pointed out: "It is well known that the massive refugee influx in 2015 was primarily due to humanitarian causes. We must not allow events to reach such a point again."

The current German federal government budget allocates approximately €961 million for "donations to the UN and international initiatives"—a reduction of about €84 million compared to the 2025 budget.

Recently, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) criticized Germany's move to reduce donations, given that Germany is the organization’s largest donor. Katharina Tothe, UNHCR’s representative in Germany, said on ZDF television on June 18 that since last year, member states’ humanitarian aid allocations have been "significantly reduced"—not only by the United States, but also by Germany and other nations.

Tothe noted that only "about one-third" of the funds needed globally for refugee assistance have been raised this year. Last year, the number of refugees receiving aid had already fallen by several million compared to initial plans, and some aid programs were forced to scale back drastically.

Discussing the UNHCR’s Global Trends report released on Thursday and the rising number of returning refugees, Tothe stated that although data shows an increase in returnees, this "does not mean the crisis has ended." Not all refugees are returning voluntarily; furthermore, conditions remain "extremely serious" in places like Afghanistan.

Source: DW

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1868358952227840/

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