German government cancels financial support for civil sea rescue

The loss of over two million euros has a tangible impact on rescue operations and the survival chances of people in distress at sea.

Since 2022, the Federal Foreign Office has funded civil sea rescue operations in the Mediterranean with two million euros per year. However, none of the affected organisations were consulted before the cabinet decided to withdraw the funding.

Gorden Isler, Chairman of Sea-Eye, says: “For ten years, we have been filling the gap in the Mediterranean that should actually be filled by European states, including Germany. Financial support has enabled Sea-Eye to undertake additional missions and save lives in a very concrete way. However, it is now possible that, despite there being distress calls at sea, we will have to remain in port. The federal government must not quietly and without justification cut its support for sea rescue efforts. Fewer people will then be rescued from distress at sea. That is why the Bundestag must continue to provide support through the federal budget. Protecting human lives and human rights must not be considered less important in Germany than investing heavily in armaments. The political signal this would send would be fatal. I therefore appeal to all members of the democratic parties in the Bundestag to ensure that support for civil sea rescue continues so that we can continue to save lives.”

Last year alone, over 2,500 people died in the Mediterranean while fleeing (source: IOM Missing Migrants Project). Since its foundation in 2015, Sea Eye has been financed almost exclusively through donations. In 2022, the organisation received state support for the first time from the then Ampel coalition. This enabled the organisation to offset increased costs for fuel, mooring fees, and personnel on board and ashore, guaranteeing the presence of rescue ships in the area of operation.