In Germany, a Koalitionsvertrag (coalition agreement) is a formal policy document negotiated between political parties forming a government. It outlines the legislative and political priorities for the upcoming term. These agreements are particularly relevant in parliamentary systems like Germany’s, where coalition governments are common.
In the newly presented coalition agreement between the Social Democratic Party (SPD) and the Christian Democratic/Christian Social Union (CDU/CSU), civil protection takes on a more prominent role. With a “Pact for Civil Protection,” the BBK is to be strengthened, the THW expanded as an operational organization, and public awareness for self-protection increased through modern authority communication. Civil defense is also to be newly regulated legally, and the “OPLAN Germany” is to be implemented on a civil-military basis. A KRITIS-Dachgesetz (umbrella law) for the protection of critical infrastructures is planned, but remains vague in terms of content.
Relief organizations are reacting with mixed feelings. The Johanniter-Unfall-Hilfe welcomes the focus, but calls for more binding commitments and investments. The reform of emergency services is also seen positively, but a nationwide equality of volunteers is missing. The Arbeiter-Samariter-Bund ASB supports the initiatives, but criticizes vague wording and demands closer cooperation between federal government, states, and organizations. The Federal Association for the Protection of Critical Infrastructures BSKI praises the planned measures and urges quick implementation of the KRITIS law. So far, the coalition agreement has only been approved by the CSU; votes from CDU and SPD are still pending (as of April 25, 2025).
You can read the full article in the Behörden Spiegel newsletter in German language here.
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