Federal Minister of the Interior Faeser on preparations in Germany
Federal Minister of the Interior Faeser held briefings on how Russia’s attack on Ukraine may affect Germany. She stressed that security agencies had prepared themselves for all scenarios and increased protective measures.
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Federal Minister of the Interior Nancy Faeser held briefings with the heads of the security agencies.
Photo: imago images/photothek/Gaertner
Federal Minister of the Interior Nancy Faeser held briefings with the heads of the Federal Criminal Police Office, the Federal Police Force, the Federal Office for Information Security (BSI), the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV) and the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF).
The minister stressed that a close watch was being kept on how the attack on Ukraine might affect the security situation in Germany and the movement of refugees within Europe. “The security agencies have prepared for all conceivable scenarios,” said Faeser.
Defence against possible cyber attacks
Faeser said that defensive measures to prevent potential cyber attacks had already been stepped up. According to the minister, authorities had raised awareness about the increased level of threat, particularly among critical infrastructure providers, and had provided a comprehensive set of recommendations for IT security. Nevertheless, the Federal Minister of the Interior said there were not yet any concrete indications of cyber attacks against German sites.
Observing movements of refugees
Faeser also addressed the issue of the movement of refugees. These were initially expected to be within Ukraine, she said, although they could further affect Germany's neighbouring countries and eventually Germany itself. Faeser stressed that what mattered here was to be prepared, although she also made it clear that, “At present, we are not observing any major movements of refugees within our neighbouring countries or towards Germany.”
Close coordination between Federal and Länder Governments
Close coordination between the Federal and Länder Governments will be needed for all precautions to be put in place in Germany. To this end, Faeser held briefings today with Länder ministers of the interior to discuss the current situation, and she said they would remain in close contact over the coming days.
Faeser echoed Federal Chancellor Scholz’s strong condemnation of the Russian attack on Ukraine: “Today is a dreadful day for Ukraine and for the whole of Europe. Russia has unleashed a war of aggression against Ukraine in violation of international law,” she said.