German districts have urged the federal government to develop a comprehensive civil protection strategy, highlighting gaps in preparedness for large-scale crises. Speaking to the “Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung”, Kay Ruge, Deputy Secretary-General of the German District Association (DLT), emphasized the need for a civilian operational plan akin to the military’s established framework.
Currently, a nationwide concept for civil protection in emergency situations is lacking. Ruge cited examples such as prolonged power outages and the challenges of ensuring uninterrupted operation of care facilities – such as the difficulty of providing backup generators for numerous nursing homes and securing sufficient diesel fuel when traditional supply chains are disrupted. He stressed that such a plan needs to be collaboratively developed with federal, state, district and municipal authorities.
The issue of civil defense has been historically underemphasized at the national level. The cessation of bunker operation and maintenance in 2007 was noted as an example, alongside the observation that existing legal foundations largely date back to the 1950s – with provisions such as requirements for stockpiles of straw, seemingly outdated for contemporary crises.
Ruge underscored the urgency of conducting risk analyses, establishing registries of potential shortages and integrating municipal authorities into civil protection efforts. Securing adequate funding is also a pivotal concern. While civil defense is currently covered by exceptions to Germany’s debt brake, many district budgets are already strained by rising social welfare expenditures.
The federal government is presently collaborating with state governments to develop a shelter concept. However, Ruge voiced criticism that districts have not been systematically involved in this process, despite their critical role as lower-level disaster protection authorities.