Merz’s Belém Comments Put Spotlight on Germany’s Undisclosed Pledge to Brazil’s Forest Fund

Overview

• In a Nov. 13 speech at the German Trade Congress in Berlin, Chancellor Friedrich Merz said journalists with him were happy to return from Belém after the COP30 Leaders’ Summit.
• He contrasted Brazil with Germany and urged defense of Germany’s democracy and market order, calling the country one of the most beautiful and free.
• At the Nov. 6–7 meetings in Belém, Merz promised a “significant amount” to the Fundo Florestas para Sempre without disclosing a figure.
• Environment Minister Carsten Schneider said on Nov. 15 that Germany will specify its contribution “in the coming days,” speaking from Belém during COP30’s final week.
• Environmental organizations are urging Berlin to match Norway’s stated intention to contribute US$3 billion over 10 years to the fund.