Mediterranean authorities pull financial support for civilian rescue operations

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Sea-Eye and other organizations like United4Rescue, Sea-Watch, SOS Humanity, and Sant’Egidio, have been instrumental in saving over 175,595 lives in the Mediterranean, as reported by these NGOs in June. Despite their vital work, the German government has announced it will no longer provide financial support for these organizations. Here's what you need to know about the implications of this decision.

Sea-Eye Reacts Indignantly

Chairman Gorden Isler of the Hamburg organization Sea-Eye responded angrily, stating "the promotion of sea rescue by the federal government should not be quietly and uncommented upon." Isler further added that these organizations have played a critical role in filling the gap left by European states, particularly Germany, in fulfilling their responsibilities to help refugees at sea.

Financial Predicament

The funding cut could have a significant impact on these organizations' operations, as they face the loss of nearly €2 million annually, primarily the €2 million that flowed from the federal government to them each year. Sea-Eye, for instance, received €900,000 from Germany in 2025 - a sum representing around 10% of their total income. The loss of this funding could hinder their ability to maintain rescue ships in the Mediterranean.

Humanitarian Consequences

Critics, including a Green member of the European Parliament, warn that cutting support for these organizations will lead to the death of more migrants attempting the dangerous journey across the Mediterranean. They argue that such a move is akin to neglecting the fire brigade when lives are at stake on land.

Shift in German Policy

Germany plans to divert resources from sea rescues to tackling problems at their source, such as conflict zones like Sudan. This change in policy is part of a broader political shift towards controlling irregular migration, following the conservative government led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz taking power.

European responsibility

Sea-Eye, along with other organizations and opposition politicians, is urging European Union governments to take collective responsibility for sea rescue operations. They argue that it is an ethical imperative for European states to work together to save lives at sea.

In essence, the German government's decision to withdraw funding from Mediterranean sea rescue organizations could lead to decreased capacity for these groups, posing additional risks for migrants making perilous journeys. Critics argue that this shift in policy could result in more preventable deaths at sea, calling for increased European state-led rescue responses.

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