Overview

• Union and SPD are negotiating the integration of the Development Ministry (BMZ) into the Foreign Office, raising concerns from experts and organizations.
• Former ministers Gerd Müller and Heidemarie Wieczorek-Zeul warn that dissolving the BMZ could significantly weaken Germany's global influence and reputation.
• Environmental groups like WWF caution that merging the BMZ would harm efforts to combat climate change and biodiversity loss.
• Lessons from the UK's 2020 merger of its Development Ministry into the Foreign Office highlight risks of diminished soft power and unmet policy goals.
• A commission led by Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer recommends closer coordination of the BMZ with other ministries but opposes its dissolution.