Military protection or safeguard - Security Summit: Gathering of Minister Presidents
Facing the backdrop of war and terror, Hesse intends to hold a Minister Presidents Conference (MPK) on the 20th of June in Berlin. This event will serve as a security summit, with Germany retaining the committee's chairmanship until September, following which Saxony will take over. According to Hesse's Minister President, Boris Rhein of CDU, the conference's primary focus will be on military defense and countering hybrid threats. Other topics, such as migration and natural disaster insurance liability, will also be taken up for discussion.
Hesse placed great emphasis on the importance of maintaining security, stating that it "has never been more important than today." Rhein enumerated various instances of insecurity, like the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, the surge in cyber-attacks, the threat to critical infrastructure, misinformation campaigns, and the rise of Islamist terrorism. He argued that joint efforts by the federal government and states are crucial in the current circumstances.
Rhein emphasized the need to create a defense offensive in order to manage bridges, provide secure ways, guarantee supply lines, and offer the necessary logistics. It was highlighted by experts that certain German bridges can accommodate heavy tanks.
Defending NATO's eastern front
It is not just about arming the military, but also about ensuring swift and secure troop relocation. Rhein expressed concern that a defense of NATO's eastern front could be undermined by German infrastructure.
The main point of debate during the last regular MPK under Hessian leadership on June 20th in Berlin will be the new operational plan for a joint defense of Germany, codenamed "OPLAN DEU." This plan dictates the roles and responsibilities of the federal government, states, and Bundeswehr in response to current threats and defense strategies in a crisis/wars situation.
Several days prior to the MPK, on the 17th of June, the federal cabinet will gather for a preparatory meeting with security experts on a military base in Hesse.
