Five major aid organizations – ASB, DLRG, DRK, Johanniter and Malteser – are calling for far-reaching reforms in civil protection in a joint position paper. In the face of increasing natural disasters, they are pushing for integrated, nationwide crisis management that networks state, civil society and economic players.
The organizations advocate joint training, standardized procedures and regular exercises in order to efficiently coordinate transnational operations. They are also calling for a modernization of the legal framework, including a reform of the Civil Protection Act and uniform national regulations to protect volunteers.
The financial resources must also be significantly improved: At least 0.5 percent of the federal budget – around 2.4 billion euros – should be permanently allocated to civil protection. Further demands relate to the promotion of volunteering, the strengthening of social resilience through educational opportunities and the expansion of international cooperation.
Further information can be found here.