EU's Action Plan for Addressing the Current Emergency
In the heart of the Baltic Sea region, the Hanseatic City of Lübeck has announced the formation of a dedicated Civil Defense Project Group. The primary objective of this group is to improve the city's resilience and preparedness for emergencies, ensuring a swift and organized response to crises such as natural disasters, industrial accidents, or large-scale emergencies.
The project group, which is currently under discussion in political bodies, will be led by the city's fire department and the Digitalization, Organization, and Strategy (DOS) division. It is part of Lübeck's broader effort to improve its crisis management structures in response to growing challenges from geopolitical crises, extreme weather events, cyber attacks, and supply shortages.
The work of the Civil Defense Project Group is divided into two main areas. The fire department will focus on warning systems, civil protection, hazard prevention, and staff work, while the DOS division will concentrate on securing internal administrative processes, protecting cultural assets and data, and ensuring resilience of personnel and supply chains.
The project group will operate for two years, with the first year dedicated to analysing existing processes and deriving initial measures. This phase will involve reviewing existing emergency plans, analysing vulnerabilities, and developing structural improvements. The second year will see the production of a final report with concrete recommendations, including the development of new emergency plans, the establishment of a civil defense center, and the improvement of IT security and material equipment.
A budget of 120,000 euros is allocated for training and qualifications for the four positions planned for the project group. The city aims to be not only reactive but also capable of quickly restoring regular operations in an emergency.
Mayor Jan Lindenau has emphasized the importance of being prepared for possible crisis scenarios, without causing undue concern. The Civil Defense Project Group in Lübeck is aligned with larger networks like the Civil Protection Network, which prioritize resilience building and preparedness in the Baltic Sea region.
In summary, the Civil Defense Project Group in Lübeck is a significant step towards strengthening the city's crisis management structures, focusing on building resilience, enhancing preparedness, and ensuring coordinated responses to emergencies within the Baltic Sea region.
The Civil Defense Project Group will also focus on safeguarding the city's digital infrastructure as a critical aspect of modern crisis management, specifically addressing cybersecurity threats.
To ensure the city's readiness for emergencies in the digital age, the DOS division will work towards protecting Lübeck's data and IT systems, thereby contributing to the overall cybersecurity of the city.
