The German city association is urging the federal government to overhaul the upcoming Kritis roof law, which aims to increase the security of critical infrastructure across Germany.
President Burkhard Jung (SPD) told the “Rheinische Post” on Thursday that the protection threshold should be lowered from 500,000 residents to at least 150,000. He explained that more cities must be able to secure key facilities. “We appeal to the Bundesrat to summon the mediation committee for the Kritis roof law so that the planned threshold is brought down” he said.
Jung also highlighted recent incidents that underscore the necessity of preparedness and protective measures. “Arson attacks on electricity supply and rail lines, or cyber attacks on data centres, show how essential crisis planning and safeguards are”. He added that a blanket threshold of 500,000 residents is too high for essential services such as power or water plants to be considered critical infrastructure. “Even smaller facilities that serve many people should not be exempt from protection” he argued. While a clause allowing exemptions is planned, Jung warned against a patchwork approach and emphasized the need for an effective national regulation.
The Bundestag passed the law in early February, but it still requires the Bundesrat’s approval, which will be considered on Friday. The relevant committees have already recommended rejecting the legislation in its current form.
