German towns slam civil defence plans as underfunded and unrealistic
The German Association of Towns and Municipalities has welcomed plans by Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt to expand civil defence. However, the group’s chief executive, André Berghegger, has criticised the proposed measures as falling short of what is needed. He warned that current funding levels fail to address the growing demands on local authorities. Berghegger described the announced investments in shelters as 'nowhere near sufficient'. He stressed that many cities and towns are already struggling with tight budgets and a huge backlog of essential projects. The special fund for states and municipalities, he noted, is stretched thin by existing financial pressures.
The association’s leader also called for sustainable funding across all levels of government. He argued that civil defence requires not just one-off investments but ongoing support for operational costs. Without proper resources, he said, municipalities cannot take on greater responsibilities in this area. Berghegger proposed that local authorities should access the defence special fund. He also urged the federal government to share the cost of dual-use infrastructure with towns and cities. His message was clear: if the government expects more from municipalities, it must provide the means to deliver.
The association’s response highlights a gap between national plans and local capabilities. While the expansion of civil defence is seen as necessary, Berghegger’s remarks point to funding as the key obstacle. The debate now shifts to how the federal government will address these concerns in future policy decisions.
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