03.09.2026 – "The events of recent days and months clearly demonstrate that the threat landscape has fundamentally changed. Germany must urgently enhance the protection of its critical infrastructure. Our infrastructures must be safeguarded against criminal, terrorist, or politically motivated attacks. This is vital for the future of our economic location. Protection must be at the top of the political agenda for the coming months.

Businesses are deeply concerned about the steadily increasing number of attacks and acts of sabotage over the years. Attacks on energy facilities, communication networks, or traffic systems not only affect individual operators but the economic functionality of entire regions. Without electricity, digital networks, or functional transport, production comes to a standstill within hours. Secure and efficient infrastructures are therefore not only a technical necessity but the lifeline of the economy. They are a crucial locational factor for the entire German economy.

The KRITIS umbrella law has already introduced important measures for the protection of critical infrastructure. However, recent incidents clearly show that these measures are insufficient. Germany needs a comprehensive protection strategy closely coordinated with the economy and underpinned by clear national security standards.

Uniform nationwide minimum standards for energy, transport, IT, and communication must form the cornerstone. It is essential to avoid double regulations and ensure that the requirements for authorities and businesses are practical. In plain terms, this means realistic deadlines, clear reporting paths, minimal administrative burden, and, last but not least, a reliable cost estimate that businesses can plan for.

At the same time, we must better prepare for attacks that cannot be completely prevented despite all precautions. The failure of central infrastructures must no longer lead to the paralysis of an entire region. To achieve this, we need multiple transmission routes, spare transformers, emergency power supplies, and, above all, technical teams capable of responding within minutes. Only in this way can we minimise the consequences for business and the state."