Germany Surpasses US as World's Largest Foreign Aid Donor Amid Historic Cuts
In 2025, global official development assistance (ODA) experienced its largest recorded contraction, dropping 23.1% to approximately €149 billion, according to new OECD data. This decline marks the second consecutive year of reduced funding, driven primarily by the United States under President Donald Trump, which slashed its aid budget by an unprecedented 57%. Consequently, Germany has emerged as the world's largest foreign aid donor with €24.89 billion, narrowly surpassing the US at €24.77 billion. Other major donors, including France, Japan, and the UK, also significantly reduced contributions, accounting for 96% of the global shortfall. Experts attribute this trend to tight public finances, rising defense spending, and a political shift deprioritizing development cooperation. While most nations cut budgets, Spain, Hungary, Italy, Iceland, Norway, and Denmark increased their aid. The OECD forecasts a further 5.8% decrease in 2026, raising concerns about the long-term stability of international partnerships and support for vulnerable populations.
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Germany Surpasses US as World's Largest Foreign Aid Donor Amid Historic Cuts
In 2025, global official development assistance (ODA) experienced its largest recorded contraction, dropping 23.1% to approximately €149 billion, according to new OECD data. This decline marks the second consecutive year of reduced funding, driven primarily by the United States under President Donald Trump, which slashed its aid budget by an unprecedented 57%. Consequently, Germany has emerged as the world's largest foreign aid donor with €24.89 billion, narrowly surpassing the US at €24.77 billion. Other major donors, including France, Japan, and the UK, also significantly reduced contributions, accounting for 96% of the global shortfall. Experts attribute this trend to tight public finances, rising defense spending, and a political shift deprioritizing development cooperation. While most nations cut budgets, Spain, Hungary, Italy, Iceland, Norway, and Denmark increased their aid. The OECD forecasts a further 5.8% decrease in 2026, raising concerns about the long-term stability of international partnerships and support for vulnerable populations.
euronews