In Germany humanitarian assistance sits within the Federal Foreign Office; this is complemented by BMZ’s development and transitional aid; and BMZ’s special initiatives, which, at least in part, deal with the causes of, and fall-out from, humanitarian crises. There is a renewed political commitment in the German government to humanitarian aid through the coalition agreement. The Foreign Office has a new, strategic approach to humanitarian aid, covering both response and preparedness, an area where Germany is making significant efforts, both through its programming and on the global stage. The lack of clarity of BMZ’s transition strategy is limiting Germany’s ability to systematically support holistic responses in protracted crises and transition situations; the peer review team has been told that there are plans to redesign this area of the programme; this is welcomed. There is also scope for an increased budget share for humanitarian programming.