How can development cooperation be justified when government budgets are shrinking and domestic political priorities are increasing? This question is explored in a recent episode of the program Hohes Haus. The focus is on the development conference in Innsbruck, where Austrian members of parliament discussed the future of Austria’s international responsibility.
Particular attention is paid to a central panel discussion at the conference, which dealt with democracy, authoritarianism, and the role of development policy. Representatives from four parties took part in the discussion: Antonio Della Rossa (SPÖ), Caroline Hungerländer (ÖVP), David Stögmüller (Greens), and Dominik Oberhofer (NEOS). They discussed what it means when development policy is increasingly interpreted as an instrument of foreign or security policy interests and how democratic tensions affect international cooperation.
Susanne Däubel’s contribution provides insights into a debate that is becoming increasingly relevant in light of global cutbacks and growing political pressure – and shows why development cooperation is a topic of social debate right now.
The seven-minute ORF program is available here until December 31, 2025.
