The Association of Municipal Enterprises (VKU) welcomed the Federal Council’s approval of the Critical Infrastructure Protection Act, the so‑called Kritis umbrella law.
Ingbert Liebing, VKU’s managing director, told the “Rheinische Post” on Saturday that the long wait was over and that the agreement represents a vital step toward safeguarding essential services. He said the new law finally gives companies the legal and planning certainty they need for their investments.
Nevertheless, Liebing stressed that more work remains. He urged the federal government to promptly submit the National Risk Analysis and Assessment-already due since January-which is essential for business planning. He also called for practical implementation of new reporting obligations, for example regarding critical components. “Resilience isn’t free” he warned. “The federal government must now use all possible levers to support the necessary investments”.
Liebing highlighted the limits of operators’ security. “There is no way to guarantee 100 % safety” he said. “Defending against terrorist attacks remains the responsibility of the federal and state governments. Municipal utilities, water suppliers, and waste collectors are not the police” he added.