Experts call for rules to protect Germany's power grid after attacks

Attacks on power infrastructure in Brandenburg and North Rhine-Westphalia have prompted fresh calls for stronger protection and clearer rules in Germany.

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It is already hybrid pre-war warfare, and that would traditionally be the task of the federal police.

Hans-Walter Borries, deputy chairman of the Federal Association for the Protection of Critical Infrastructures, described the threat as a new phase. Speaking to RBB Inforadio, he called it "hybrid pre-war warfare" and said the response would traditionally fall to the federal police. He added that current capabilities were not sufficient.

Borries said companies must consider whether they need to invest more in protecting infrastructure. Technical safeguards exist, he said, but could increase costs fourfold to sixfold, a burden businesses cannot currently absorb.

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If we are talking about counter-drone measures, this is currently an entirely sovereign task assigned to the federal police, the state police and, in certain cases, the armed forces. A private party cannot simply act on its own.

North Rhine-Westphalia Interior Minister Herbert Reul said on ZDF that authorities should discuss whether operators could use video surveillance and counter-drone systems. Brandenburg SPD interior-policy lawmaker Erik Stohn said the changed threat requires a review of the legal framework. Counter-drone measures are currently considered a sovereign responsibility assigned to federal or state police and, in some cases, the armed forces. Stohn said lawmakers must determine who may act, what qualifications are required and who would bear liability.

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Who is allowed to do this at all? What qualifications must they have? Liability issues also need to be clarified. This is not a simple matter.