Contract signed in Graz: Strengthening civil protection in Austria for the long term

Ministry of the Interior and Civil Defense Association conclude grant agreement

On Monday, 27 May 2024, Federal Minister Gerhard Karner, the President of the Austrian Civil Protection Association (ÖZSV), Andreas Hanger, and the Vice President of the Styrian Civil Protection Association, Bernadette Kerschler, signed a contract at the Operations Coordination Center (EIKO) in Graz. It will secure civil protection in Austria in the long term. The contract is based on the Rescue and Civil Protection Organizations Support Act, which was unanimously passed by parliament at the end of last year.

“This agreement secures the financing of civil protection in Austria in a sustainable and predictable manner. Above all, however, I would like to thank the thousands of volunteers for their commitment and dedication to crisis preparedness”, said Gerhard Karner.

“The conclusion of this grant agreement, together with its anchoring in the Rescue and Civil Protection Organizations Support Act, is a milestone for civil protection in Austria. For the first time, the important activities of the civil defense associations at federal level are not only clearly defined, but also financially secured in the long term,” says Andreas Hanger, President of the ÖZSV.

Key areas of work that will be pursued with the new funding include the expansion of digital services, the expansion of the network of local contacts for the population and the expansion of information work for children and young people as well as other vulnerable groups. This will ensure that information about civil protection and self-preparedness is available throughout Austria – in close coordination with the civil protection associations at provincial level – in the future too, explains Civil Protection President Andreas Hanger.

The Austrian Civil Protection Association was founded in 1961 and, together with its provincial associations, has always pursued the goal of informing the Austrian population about personal precautions and the correct behavior in crisis and dangerous situations.

(c) Georg Obetzhofer