Reports: Interior Ministry to halt funding for independent asylum advice - Germany axes funding for asylum counselling despite coalition pledges
Germany's Federal Interior Ministry will stop funding independent asylum procedure counselling from next year. The move contradicts the coalition's earlier promise to evaluate the service openly. Welfare groups and political figures have already criticised the decision.
The counselling programme began in January 2023 under the Ampel coalition, with around €25 million allocated for the year. It was established under Section 12a of Germany's Asylum Act to provide neutral advice during asylum proceedings.
The ministry has now informed welfare associations that funding will end by 2027. An Interior Ministry spokesperson refused to confirm the cut, stating that budget decisions are made during negotiations. However, Green Party budget spokesperson Leon Eckert accused the ministry of using budget constraints and an undisclosed evaluation report to justify the move.
SPD sources claim the coalition never agreed to fully scrap the funding. Michael Groß, president of the Workers' Welfare Association, called the decision a 'serious political mistake'. Pro Asyl managing director Karl Kopp argued that independent counselling is 'not a luxury but a fundamental safeguard of the rule of law in asylum proceedings'.
The funding cut affects dozens of counselling centres across Germany. The programme, introduced just last year, now faces a complete phase-out by 2027. Critics warn the decision could weaken legal protections for asylum seekers.
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