Lower Saxony demands millions of civil defense against new threats!

Lower Saxony demands millions of civil defense against new threats!

In the middle of a tense security situation in Europe, Lower Saxony urgently demands reinforcement of civil protection. Interior Minister Daniela Behrens (SPD) emphasizes that scenarios in which Russia attacks a NATO state must be taken seriously. Against this background, Lower Saxony will apply for an update of the civil protection equipment concept from June 11th to 13th in Bremerhaven from June 11th to 13th. The existing concept already dates from 2007 and urgently need to be revised to meet the new challenges, such as n-tv.de reported.

A central concern of the federal state is to provide ten billion euros for population protection from the federal government within the next ten years. Behrens points out the new financial package for defense and infrastructure, which makes the argumentation of missing budgetary funds. The requested investments include:

• technology for safe communication channels via satellite or analog radio so as not to lose contact in IT failures.
• Expansion of supply capacities in hospitals for hospitals and makeshift hospitals.
• capacity for the nationwide relocation of patients in an emergency.
• Investments in pumps and tankers to ensure the drinking water supply.

hybrid threats and their consequences

The concern for national security has increased not least by the Russian attack war against Ukraine. The increasing threat of sabotage files and espionage-related activities on critical infrastructure, such as crisis-bass-beratung.de raises questions. At least since the incidents of damaged Untersekabeln in the Baltic Sea, there have been indications of interference against western infrastructures. The damage to pipelines and possible remnants of explosive in sensitive areas also suggest that we are in a new, invisible form of warfare that reaches Germany.

Also alarming are the reports of drone sightings near critical infrastructure, which urge to warn that we are in troubled times. Lower Saxony has already invested in vehicles and devices for disaster protection in recent years. Nevertheless, it is also the responsibility of the population to actively take care of emergency provision. niedersachsen.de emphasizes that civil protection must be seen as a task as a whole: from the official organization to the self-help of the citizens.

resources for civil protection

Another aspect is the special role of Lower Saxony as a hub of NATO in an emergency. The population protection must ensure that vital infrastructures- including hospitals and water and power supply- not only remain protected in the event of defense, but also remain functional. In particular, support from the Technical Relief Agency (THW) plays a major role in this.

In order to increase the resilience of society in crisis situations, measures to strengthen civil defense are continuously taken. The country recently initiated the expansion of the warning infrastructure with 10 million euros for 773 new siren locations. Effective civil and disaster protection lives not only from official measures, but in particular also from the active participation of its citizens. This is the only way to react quickly and safely in an emergency.

The future of civil protection in Lower Saxony faces some challenges that need to be mastered. Clear strategies, good planning and above all solid financial management could be the key to react appropriately to the intensified threat.