Report on German Domestic and Foreign Policy Developments in Relation to Sustainable Development Goals

August 2, 2025

This report outlines key developments in Germany concerning international relations, domestic security, social justice, and economic policy. Each issue is analyzed through the lens of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to provide a comprehensive overview of their broader implications.

I. International Relations and Humanitarian Aid

Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza and German Response

Germany has intensified its focus on the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, urging Israel to increase aid deliveries. This aligns with several key SDGs:

• SDG 2 (Zero Hunger): The German government noted “initial slight progress” in aid but deemed it insufficient to alleviate the emergency, with residents on the brink of famine. Germany’s armed forces, the Bundeswehr, have commenced airdrops of food and medical supplies, delivering 9.6 tons of aid.
• SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions): The German Security Cabinet reiterated Israel’s obligation under international law to ensure a comprehensive supply of aid. However, concerns were raised about the diversion of aid by Hamas and criminal organizations, undermining the effectiveness of humanitarian efforts and the stability required for peace.
• SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals): Germany’s actions, including direct aid and diplomatic pressure, highlight the importance of international cooperation involving nations, the United Nations, and other humanitarian organizations to address global crises.

Internal Political Tensions Regarding the Middle East Conflict

Germany’s Left party is experiencing internal conflict over differing stances on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, reflecting challenges to SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions), which promotes inclusive societies and accountable institutions.

1. A party member, Andreas Büttner, faces potential expulsion for his pro-Israel statements, which critics claim violate party resolutions and international law.
2. Specific points of contention include Büttner’s opposition to recognizing a Palestinian state and his criticism of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA).
3. This internal dispute highlights the complexities of maintaining party cohesion while navigating sensitive international issues and upholding principles of justice and international law.

II. Economic Policy and Global Partnerships

US-EU Trade Dispute and Tariff Negotiations

Germany is actively engaging in diplomatic efforts to mitigate the economic impact of US trade tariffs, a matter directly related to global economic health and partnerships.

• SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth): German Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil is scheduled to meet with the US Treasury Secretary to discuss the new 15% tariff on most EU imports, which threatens economic stability and growth.
• SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals): The stated focus of the talks is on “maintaining and expanding the trans-Atlantic partnership” and fostering cooperation in multilateral forums, underscoring the goal of strengthening global partnerships for sustainable development.

III. Domestic Justice, Security, and Gender Equality

Record Increase in Domestic Violence

A report from the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) reveals a record level of domestic violence in Germany, presenting a significant challenge to social sustainability and human rights.

• SDG 5 (Gender Equality): The statistics are stark, with 265,942 registered victims in 2024. Women are disproportionately affected, constituting 73% of registered cases. This highlights the urgent need for targeted actions to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls.
• SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions): The nearly 14% surge in domestic violence over the past five years indicates a critical failure in providing peaceful and inclusive societies. It calls for stronger institutional responses and preventative measures.

Proposed Measures to Combat Violence and Uphold Justice

In response to rising violence and security concerns, the German government is considering new legislative and technological measures.

1. Ankle Tags for Violent Offenders: To advance SDG 5 (Gender Equality), the Justice Minister plans to introduce a system of electronic ankle tags to monitor violent offenders, particularly those involved in domestic abuse. This measure aims to protect victims and strengthen the justice system’s capacity, in line with SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions).
2. Caution on Surveillance Software: The Justice Minister has advised caution regarding the expanded use of Palantir surveillance software by police. This reflects a commitment to SDG 16 by ensuring that security methods are compatible with constitutional principles, transparency, and the protection of citizen data.
3. Abortion Law Debate: The Justice Minister acknowledged public support for decriminalizing abortion in the first trimester, a topic linked to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 5 (Gender Equality), while emphasizing the importance of retaining mandatory pre-abortion consultations.

IV. Infrastructure and Consumer Protection

Sabotage of Critical Railway Infrastructure

Arson attacks on the vital Düsseldorf-Duisburg railway line have highlighted the vulnerability of public infrastructure.

• SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) & SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities): The sabotage disrupted one of Germany’s busiest rail connections, affecting over 620 daily passenger trains and undermining resilient and sustainable infrastructure.
• SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions): The incident, treated as sabotage by suspected left-wing extremists, represents a direct threat to public safety and order, prompting a robust police investigation to hold perpetrators accountable.

Legal Action to Protect Consumer Rights

A German consumer group has initiated legal action against several budget airlines over hand luggage fees, advocating for fair and transparent business practices.

• SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production): The lawsuit argues that charging for reasonably sized hand luggage misleads consumers about true flight prices, challenging companies to adopt more sustainable and transparent practices.
• SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions): By using the legal system and citing a 2014 European Court of Justice ruling, the consumer group is working to ensure access to justice and uphold laws that protect consumers, reinforcing the role of strong institutions.

SDGs Addressed in the Article

• SDG 2: Zero Hunger
• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
• SDG 5: Gender Equality
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

Specific SDG Targets Identified

SDG 2: Zero Hunger

• Target 2.1: By 2030, end hunger and ensure access by all people, in particular the poor and people in vulnerable situations, including infants, to safe, nutritious and sufficient food all year round.
  
  Explanation: The article highlights the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, stating there is a “worsening hunger crisis that has left residents on the brink of famine.” It discusses Germany’s efforts to urge Israel to increase aid deliveries of “vital food and medical supplies” to alleviate this emergency.

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

• Target 3.7: By 2030, ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health-care services, including for family planning, information and education, and the integration of reproductive health into national strategies and programmes.
  
  Explanation: The article mentions the Justice Minister’s view on abortion, noting that a majority in Germany believe “abortions in the first three months of pregnancy should no longer be classified as illegal.” This directly relates to the accessibility and legality of reproductive health services.

SDG 5: Gender Equality

• Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation.
  
  Explanation: The article reports that “Domestic violence cases reach new record,” with statistics showing that “Women suffer the most from domestic violence, making up 73% of registered cases.” It also discusses a new measure to use “electronic ankle tags to control violent offenders” specifically “to protect women from violent partners or ex-partners.”

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

• Target 8.a: Increase Aid for Trade support for developing countries, in particular least developed countries, including through the Enhanced Integrated Framework for Trade-Related Technical Assistance to Least Developed Countries.
  
  Explanation: While not about developing countries, the principle of fair trade partnerships is central. The article discusses the “US-EU trade dispute” over tariffs. Germany’s Finance Minister is set to meet his US counterpart for talks focused on “maintaining and expanding the trans-Atlantic partnership” and resolving the trade dispute, which involves a “15% tariff on most European Union imports.”

SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

• Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure, including regional and transborder infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being, with a focus on affordable and equitable access for all.
  
  Explanation: The article details “arson attacks” on a key railway line between Düsseldorf and Duisburg. The incident is described as “sabotage” that “caused damage to cables vital for operating switches and signals,” highlighting the vulnerability of critical transport infrastructure and the need for resilience against such attacks.

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

• Target 11.2: By 2030, provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all.
  
  Explanation: The sabotage on the railway line between Düsseldorf and Duisburg, described as “one of Germany’s busiest railway connections,” directly impacts the safety and accessibility of public transport systems, affecting the more than 620 passenger trains that use the line daily.

SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

• Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere.
  
  Explanation: This target is relevant to two issues in the article: the conflict in Gaza, which is the subject of high-level security meetings, and the “record level” of domestic violence cases in Germany, which have “surged by almost 14%” over five years.
• Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.
  
  Explanation: The article mentions a German politician being accused of arguments that “ignore applicable international law” regarding the Middle East conflict. It also discusses the use of the justice system to protect citizens, such as the plan for family courts to order ankle tags for violent offenders and a consumer group filing “lawsuits filed against Ryanair, EasyJet, Wizzair and Vueling Airlines” to protect consumer rights.

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

• Target 17.16: Enhance the global partnership for sustainable development, complemented by multi-stakeholder partnerships that mobilize and share knowledge, expertise, technology and financial resources, to support the achievement of the sustainable development goals in all countries, in particular developing countries.
  
  Explanation: The article shows Germany engaging in multiple partnerships. This includes international cooperation with other countries to airdrop aid into Gaza, diplomatic talks between the German Finance Minister and the US Treasury Secretary on trade, and a planned meeting with the World Bank President.

Indicators for Measuring Progress

For SDG 2: Zero Hunger

• Indicator (Implied): Prevalence of severe food insecurity. The article implies this by describing the situation in Gaza as a “worsening hunger crisis that has left residents on the brink of famine.”
• Indicator (Mentioned): Volume of humanitarian aid. The article provides specific figures, such as “220 trucks have entered the territory daily” and a German military aircraft carrying “a total of 9.6 tons of aid.”

For SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

• Indicator (Implied): Legal frameworks promoting sexual and reproductive health. The discussion on whether “abortions in the first three months of pregnancy should no longer be classified as illegal” serves as a direct measure of the legal framework surrounding reproductive rights.

For SDG 5: Gender Equality

• Indicator 5.2.1: Proportion of ever-partnered women and girls subjected to physical, sexual or psychological violence by a current or former intimate partner. The article provides precise data for this, stating that “Violence from partners or ex-partners accounted for 171,069 victims, a 1.9% increase.”
• Indicator (Mentioned): Number of victims of domestic violence. The article reports a total of “265,942 people were registered as victims of domestic violence in 2024,” noting that “Women… mak[e] up 73% of registered cases.”

For SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

• Indicator (Mentioned): Average tariff rates. The article specifies the tariff rates in the US-EU trade dispute, mentioning the “15% tariff on most European Union imports” and contrasting it with the desired “10% tariff or even a reciprocal zero-for-zero tariff deal.”

For SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

• Indicator (Implied): Passenger and freight volumes affected by infrastructure disruptions. The article notes that the sabotaged railway is “one of Germany’s busiest railway connections, with more than 620 passenger trains using the line every day,” indicating the scale of the disruption.

For SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

• Indicator 16.1.1: Number of victims of intentional homicide per 100,000 population, by sex and age. While not per capita, the article provides raw numbers on violence: “265,942 people were registered as victims of domestic violence in 2024.”
• Indicator (Implied): Existence of independent national human rights institutions. The Justice Minister’s warning that surveillance methods must be “compatible with constitutional principles” implies the role of such principles and institutions in overseeing state power.

Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: dw.com