German Government Unveils Plans to Strengthen Protection of Critical Infrastructure After Berlin Attack

The German government has announced decisive measures to enhance the security and resilience of critical infrastructure following a recent attack on Berlin's power grid that left 45,000 households without electricity in winter. Chancellor Friedrich Merz underscored the importance of increasing infrastructure protection, stating that security must take precedence over transparency, and advocating for less public access to sensitive information regarding critical systems.

At the ninth coalition committee meeting involving CDU, CSU, and SPD leaders, Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt revealed plans for a new law prioritizing resilience over extensive transparency about infrastructure details. Dobrindt emphasized that current laws allow too easy access to sensitive data, necessitating a paradigm shift in data handling to thwart further disruptive threats. The coalition also acknowledged growing hybrid threats, particularly from Russia, and discussed bolstering resources for enhanced security.

Beyond physical protection, the coalition outlined sweeping reforms in immigration, social security, labor market, and energy sectors aimed at strengthening Germany’s economic competitiveness and overall resilience. SPD leader Bärbel Bas highlighted the urgency of social state reforms to improve citizens' lives and reiterated Germany’s role of demonstrating strength amid global uncertainties, notably the ongoing Ukraine conflict. CSU leader Markus Söder called for reduced bureaucracy and increased economic performance to secure Germany’s leadership position in Europe. Vice Chancellor Lars Klingbeil stressed the necessity for a self-confident Europe, with Germany leading efforts to boost sovereignty and global competitiveness.

Additionally, the coalition discussed reducing dependency on critical raw materials, especially rare earths from China, by fostering new strategic partnerships and accelerating trade agreement ratifications with India and Mercosur. The agenda also included topics like democracy protection, cybersecurity measures, and reforms related to the digital euro and fiscal policy.

Chancellor Merz summarized the coalition’s mission as enhancing resilience "in view of a rapidly changing world," linking infrastructure security directly to national stability and economic strength. The government’s coordinated approach reflects a commitment to adapt legislative and operational frameworks to emerging threats while reinforcing Germany’s strategic role in Europe and beyond.