The German government is planning a significant expansion of civil protection and disaster response capabilities. Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt announced a “Pact for Population Protection” outlining a substantial modernization initiative, described as the largest in decades.
The plan involves an investment of ten billion euros by 2029, aimed at bolstering the nation’s preparedness for a variety of threats. Dobrindt highlighted that the pact will focus on investments in vehicles, capabilities and functionality.
Specific measures outlined include the installation of new sirens, the implementation of digital warning systems accessible on mobile devices and the construction of additional shelters. The program also envisages the procurement of approximately 1,500 new vehicles dedicated to fire protection, ambulance transport, mobile command centers and heavy equipment.
Furthermore, the initiative seeks to enhance coordination through increased joint crisis response exercises involving volunteer organizations, the Federal Agency for Technical Relief (THW), emergency medical services and the German Armed Forces.
The increased focus on civil protection stems from a backdrop of escalating international crises, concerns regarding extremism and the potential for hybrid attacks. Currently, Germany has 579 public shelters capable of accommodating around 480,000 people. Many bunkers and sirens were deactivated following the end of the Cold War.