The Association of Municipal Enterprises (VKU) welcomed the Bundesrat’s approval of the law for the protection of critical infrastructure – the Kritis umbrella law.
“After years of waiting, the conclusion is finally reached. This agreement is an important step toward safeguarding critical infrastructures. It provides companies with legal and planning certainty for their investments” said VKU chief executive Ingbert Liebing to the “Rheinische Post” on Saturday.
Despite the decision, Liebing stresses that further action is required. “The federal government must now quickly present the National Risk Analysis and Assessment” he said. The assessment has been due since January and forms a crucial basis for companies’ analyses. He also said that new reporting obligations – for example on critical components – must be designed in a practical, workable manner. “Resilience does not come free of charge” Liebing added. “The federal government is now required to exhaust all possibilities to support the necessary investments”.
Liebing also pointed out the limits faced by operators. “There is no 100 percent security” he remarked. “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 warned.
