Development Minister Svenja Schulze is reshaping Germany’s approach to development policy, particularly in Syria, where aid is directed towards non-governmental organizations amid the declining Assad regime. Emphasizing equitable partnerships, Schulze highlights Germany’s unique role in maintaining standards in aid. Despite domestic skepticism and budget cuts, she advocates for investment in development, aiming to address global inequalities. The focus on international collaboration may influence future funding priorities as Germany navigates its role in combating poverty and inequality.
Shaping the Future of German Development Policy
In the wake of significant political changes in Syria, Development Minister Svenja Schulze is poised to influence the course of development in the region. As she reflects on her tenure this Wednesday, which spans over three years, Schulze takes a positive view of her achievements despite facing budgetary constraints. She emphasizes that development policy has become ‘more feminine, multilateral, and partnership-oriented,’ marking a shift in approach.
Germany’s Commitment to Syria
With the Assad regime’s decline, the federal government’s priorities have notably shifted towards Syria. Historically, the German government has refrained from collaborating with official Syrian authorities to prevent aid from reaching the dictator. Instead, the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) has directed its efforts towards supporting non-governmental organizations and United Nations initiatives, allocating 125 million euros this year to stave off the country’s collapse. Schulze believes that a ‘window of opportunity’ has emerged that could allow for substantial positive influence on Syria’s development, highlighting that the ministry has been preparing for this moment for over a decade.
She points to the example of the HTS-controlled Idlib province, where Germany and the UK have been the only bilateral donors through the UN. When HTS attempted to enforce a gender-segregation law, they were informed that such conditions would lead to a withdrawal of support, demonstrating Germany’s commitment to maintaining standards in its aid efforts.
Schulze aims to address the growing inequality between wealthy and impoverished nations, advocating for respectful and equitable partnerships with developing countries. As diplomatic relations with Damascus had been largely frozen, the fall of the Assad regime opens new avenues for collaboration.
While Schulze garners applause on the international stage, she faces skepticism at home. Critics, including some within her own party, express concern about dwindling support for development initiatives amid substantial cuts proposed by the previous finance minister. Schulze has consistently stressed the importance of investing in partnerships, noting that half of Germany’s economy relies on exports.
As debates surrounding funding and project priorities intensify, the future of German development policy hangs in the balance, particularly with the upcoming elections. Stakeholders hope that a renewed focus on development aid will remain a priority for the next federal government, ensuring that Germany continues to play a significant role in global efforts to combat poverty and inequality.