Following recent warnings from Germany’s Federal Intelligence Service (BND), the Federation of German Industry (BDI) has issued a strong alert regarding the escalating threat landscape.
Holger Lösch, Deputy Head of the BDI, told Handelsblatt that German industry is bracing for the continuation of these threats, underscoring that the methods of attack are becoming increasingly varied. He stated that companies are not being targeted merely by chance, emphasizing that a robust industrial sector is essential for national defense, supply chain security, and the government’s ability to act.
Lösch stressed that Russian influence and sabotage activities are no longer theoretical scenarios. He stated plainly that companies, critical infrastructures, and defense-relevant supply chains are already under active scrutiny from these attacks. Therefore, the protection of industry must be established as a cornerstone of national security and receive political priority. Since the nature and targets of potential attacks are difficult to predict, he argued that effective preparedness requires well-rehearsed processes and close collaboration between the state and the economy.
However, Lösch also acknowledged significant deficiencies in the current defensive posture. The “biggest vulnerability” lies in the transition between security authorities issuing warnings and those warnings translating into immediate action. While companies are increasingly being informed about the risks, and cooperation with authorities has markedly improved, what remains missing are joint procedures that allow for the prompt derivation of concrete counter-measures from warnings.
