Westphalia’s Defence Gaps Exposed as Experts Warn of Rising Threats
A major conference on civil and military defence took place in Münster this week. Organised by the Bezirksregierung Münster and the Bundeswehr, it brought together 150 experts to assess Westphalia’s readiness for crises. Topics ranged from disaster preparedness to hybrid threats and the protection of critical infrastructure.
The event, titled Civil and Military Defence – Is Westphalia Adequately Prepared?, was co-hosted by the Detmold Regional Council. Participants included military officers, emergency services, local politicians, and volunteers from organisations like the German Red Cross and THW. Discussions focused on improving coordination between civilian and military bodies, clarifying responsibilities, and securing supply chains in emergencies.
Brigade General Marco Eggert warned that external threats to Germany are now more severe than ever. NRW Interior Minister Herbert Reul echoed this, stating that Europe, Germany, and Westphalia face real dangers from Russia. He urged a stronger defence posture, calling for an end to complacency. The German Red Cross highlighted funding gaps in civil defence, noting that some equipment relies on donations rather than state support. Meanwhile, experts stressed that only about one in four residents has emergency supplies, despite official recommendations to stockpile food, water, and essentials. The Bundeswehr also faces challenges, needing 80,000 more soldiers to reach its target of 260,000 personnel. Authorities emphasised the need for better communication between civilian and military agencies. Plans were discussed to strengthen territorial defence and prepare for large-scale emergencies, including hybrid threats like cyberattacks or disinformation campaigns.
The conference concluded with calls for urgent action. Civil defence funding, military expansion, and public preparedness were identified as key priorities. Organisers stressed that closer cooperation between authorities and the Bundeswehr is essential to meet growing security challenges.
