Sweden and Germany slash aid budgets to focus on Ukraine and defence spending

"The notion of humanitarian aid being used to combat poverty and hunger is being replaced in Europe with geopolitical games as states redirect aid to Ukraine and to defence spending, analysts warn after recent announcements by Sweden and Germany. Earlier this year, humanitarian groups called for European donors to fill the gap as President Donald Trump dismantled the USAID programme, but instead other nations are further pulling back from their commitments around the world."

"In December, Sweden announced a 10bn kronor (800m) cut in development funding to Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Liberia, Tanzania and Bolivia. Germany's humanitarian budget of 1.05bn (920m) for 2026 will be less than half of last year's, with spending refocused on areas deemed a priority to Europe. I think we are losing a consensus of solidarity and responsibility which has been established for a while now, said Ralf Sudhoff, director of the Berlin-based Centre for Humanitarian Action."

"Germany this year has started to phase out Latin America, decreased engagement in Asia and say they want to focus now on crises which have an impact on Europe, he said, noting that while Ukraine was in need of funding because of Russia's invasion, its location in Europe meant it was saved from the cuts developing countries have experienced. The UK also announced earlier this year that it would be cutting aid to fund defence spending."

European states are redirecting humanitarian aid toward Ukraine and defence, resulting in substantial cuts to development and food assistance for developing countries. Sweden cut 10bn kronor in funding to Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Liberia, Tanzania and Bolivia. Germany’s 2026 humanitarian budget is less than half of last year’s and will concentrate on areas considered priorities for Europe, with diminished engagement in Latin America and Asia. The UK and France announced aid reductions to bolster defence spending. Norway increased civilian support to Ukraine while reducing aid to Africa. Analysts warn aid is becoming more geopolitical and transactional, weakening solidarity with poorer nations.

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