Euskirchen is getting ready for an emergency: focus on civil-military cooperation!

Euskirchen is getting ready for an emergency: focus on civil-military cooperation!

The party is flying in the Euskirchen district hall - and not just because of the joy of the peace that came 80 years ago with the end of the Second World War. District Administrator Markus Ramers took the summer reception as an opportunity to address a topic that is currently affecting many people: civil-military cooperation (ZMZ). In his speech, he underlined the crucial role of peace and the need to sensitize the population on security issues. In view of the changed global situation, especially as a result of Russia's attack on Ukraine, the requirements for the ZMZ have also changed significantly, as the Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger reports.

Times are changing. After sirens were dismantled and old bunkers were decommissioned during the Cold War, there has now been new movement in security policy. “In an emergency, society and the military have to work hand in hand,” explains Ramers. In recent years, soldiers have provided valuable support during the corona pandemic and after the flood disaster. But what exactly does the collaboration look like?

Focus on civil-military cooperation

The ZMZ has recently become more important, not least due to the security threat from Russia. The Future Forum for Public Security also addresses the developments since the annexation of Crimea in 2014 and the Ukraine war in 2022. The lessons from these conflicts flow directly into the strategies, as recorded in the GREEN BOOK ZMZ 4.0. The central message? A well-functioning ZMZ is the key to strengthening resilience in our country.

Above all, all actors – from the population to political decision-makers and the administration – must now work together in a coordinated manner. “Society must be involved in the security plans,” urges Ramers. Clear communication is essential, as the experiences from the flood disaster have shown.

There is a need for action

For the ZMZ this means that it must adapt to a wide range of threats. Whether military conflicts, cyber attacks or natural disasters - the country's resilience is at stake. Ramers also emphasizes how important it is that military support is integrated into civilian society in a transparent and democratically legitimate manner. Strict organizational guidelines must be created at the federal, state and local levels in order to define clear responsibilities.

The bunker under the district center now serves as a storage room; However, its old technology is no longer tailored to current requirements. Nevertheless, it is a memorable symbol of the changing perception of security in the region. Ramers explains that the soldiers are ready to help, but their primary focus is on combat operations - a fact that is important to keep in mind.

With around 300 guests from politics, business and clubs, the summer reception not only attracted great interest, but also musical entertainment by “Two of us” and the youth orchestra of the Sinzenich Music Association ensured a cheerful atmosphere. All in all, the event shows that peace and security are not a given, especially in this day and age - there is something to be said!