Germany to invest 10 bln euros to upgrade civil defense

Germany's government on Wednesday announced a plan to invest 10 billion euros (11.6 billion U.S. dollars) by 2029 to upgrade its civil defense and emergency response capabilities.



Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt and Defense Minister Boris Pistorius jointly presented the newly cabinet-approved plan in a statement.



The initiative aims at modernizing Germany's civil defense infrastructure and improving coordination between civilian and military authorities.



The funds will be allocated to equipment for predominantly volunteer emergency services, modern warning and communication systems, and the fortification of critical infrastructure, including emergency power and drinking water supplies.



The goal is to better support, equip, and train emergency personnel, many of whom serve on a voluntary basis, Dobrindt said in the statement.