Hesse strengthens Christmas market safety with new emergency program
Hesse is preparing for the upcoming Advent and Christmas market season with a focus on safety. The state has launched an emergency program called Event Security to help municipalities work together on shared expertise and resources. Interior Minister Roman Poseck recently met with officials to review past experiences and plan for the festive period ahead.
The Event Security program was introduced in early April to strengthen coordination between local authorities. It allows different municipalities to collaborate across boundaries, pooling knowledge and jointly procuring safety measures. So far, seven applications from 25 municipal alliances have received approval, securing a total of €575,000 in funding.
In mid-May, a directive was issued to improve cooperation between police and local regulatory agencies. The goal was to ensure better planning and risk assessment for public events. Statewide regional meetings were also organised to help local officials make balanced decisions about event safety.
Minister Poseck has emphasised that festivals and celebrations remain a vital part of Hesse’s culture. Despite a challenging security environment, the state has managed to host events safely and successfully in recent months. With the first Christmas markets set to open in the coming weeks, preparations are now underway to maintain this record.
The Event Security program aims to reduce risks, though the minister acknowledges that no system can guarantee absolute safety. Approved funding will support joint efforts as Hesse moves into the Advent season. Local authorities will continue working with police and regional partners to keep public events secure.
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