Recent drone sightings have underscored a shifting security landscape, prompting the Association of Cities and Municipalities to advocate for a significantly enhanced disaster preparedness strategy. André Berghegger, the Association’s Managing Director, emphasized the urgency of developing a coordinated response to evolving threats, stating that the current situation necessitates a re-evaluation of resilience.
The proposed solution centers around the creation of a “Resilience Task Force”. This body would incorporate representatives from federal and state governments, local municipalities, security agencies and fire departments to foster collaboration and ensure a unified approach. A key element of this strategy is the improved communication and cooperation between civil protection services and disaster response teams, alongside bolstering the financial resources available to local authorities. The association estimates that an additional €10 billion will be required over the next decade specifically for civil protection measures.
Concerns extend beyond physical threats, with a marked increase in cyberattacks since the onset of the conflict in Ukraine. Berghegger highlighted that one in four municipalities experienced a cyberattack last year, leaving many feeling unsupported. He called for a coordinated federal cybersecurity framework encompassing regional crisis response teams and clearly defined responsibilities.
The Association argues that municipalities are currently inadequately equipped to handle escalating risks and that the recent suspension of Germany’s debt brake provides an opportunity for the federal government to make substantial, sustainable investments in security infrastructure across the nation. Currently, cities and towns are largely managing cybersecurity challenges independently, a situation deemed unacceptable by the Association.