Eight case files. Each follows the same structure: challenge, response, her role, partners, scale, expected impact, criticism and current status. An announcement is recorded as an announcement, not as an achievement.
Fig. 01The partners around each initiative. Graphic: reemalabaliradovan.com.
Status key: CompletedOngoingAnnounced / plannedUnresolved
File 01 · BMZ · Jan 2026–
Reform plan “Zukunft zusammen global gestalten”
Ongoing · until summer 2027
The challenge
A shrinking budget, global aid cuts and demands for more visible results.
The policy response
Concentration on food security, crisis support, economic cooperation and multilateral structures; loans for emerging economies; grants for the least developed countries.
Her role
Presented by her as minister on 12 January 2026 and defended in the development committee on 25 February 2026.
Partners
GIZ, KfW, 65 partner countries, multilateral banks, German business.
Financing / scale
Applies to the whole BMZ budget: €10.05 billion in 2026 and €9.47 billion in the 2027 draft.
Expected impact
According to the ministry, policy that is “strategischer, fokussierter und partnerschaftlicher” (more strategic, focused and partnership-based).
Criticism
Brot für die Welt warned against a reform that is mainly “verkleidete Kürzungspolitik” (disguised austerity). The Greens and the Left see German economic interests placed above the 2030 Agenda.
Current status
In implementation. Effects cannot yet be assessed.
Destruction in Gaza, regional war and pressure on host countries such as Jordan and Lebanon.
The policy response
Transitional shelters, early recovery and support for host countries and water supply.
Her role
Travelled to the region in August 2025 and to Jordan in March 2026; attended the Palestine Donor Group in July 2026.
Partners
The EU, UN agencies, the Palestinian Authority, Jordan, Lebanon, Egypt.
Financing / scale
€177 million package (March 2026); €66.5 million in new funds plus about €57 million from existing projects (July 2026); “at least €200 million” from existing budget lines (October 2025).
Expected impact
Bridging from emergency aid to recovery, depending on a ceasefire.
Criticism
An opinion piece in the Jüdische Allgemeine (January 2026) accused her of adopting Hamas narratives; Gaza was also raised by opposition MPs in government questioning in January 2026. See Criticism.
