More intensive cooperation in preparation for crisis scenarios
On 1 March 2023, Defence Minister Klaudia Tanner and the President of the Austrian Civil Protection Association, Andreas Hanger, signed a cooperation agreement at the Rossauer Barracks, official headquarters of the Austrian Defence Ministry. The aim of this cooperation is to use synergies to a greater extent, and to find even better solutions to deal with any potentially arising disasters together.
“The key to overcoming crises and disasters lies in cooperation. The challenges of the 21st century go far beyond the military, which is why we also need cooperation with civilian partners and organisations – and the Austrian Civil Protection Association is a perfect partner. It is important that we work together to carry out valuable prevention work for the Austrian population, especially when it comes to ‘comprehensive national defence’,” says Defence Minister Klaudia Tanner.
The signing of a memorandum of understanding is intended to intensify the already ongoing exchange. This includes stepping up the exchange of technical information in the fields of crisis scenarios, hazard analysis and crisis communication, and drawing up concepts for disaster prevention and for coping with such events. Experts from both institutions will give presentations at joint events on the subject of “Comprehensive national defence”. In addition, the Ministry of Defence will offer its expertise in the psychological
support of victims of disasters or crisis situations in projects run by the Civil Protection Association.
“The last few years in particular have highlighted the necessity of being adequately prepared for crisis and disaster scenarios. This begins at home in the private sphere and ends with exercises and training programmes for emergency services such as the Austrian Armed Forces. With our focus on the personal preparedness of members of the public, the civil protection associations are covering a key part of national resilience. By increasing our cooperation, we also aim to breathe new life into the civilian role in ‘comprehensive national defence’,” says the President of the Austrian Civil Protection Association, Andreas Hanger.
support of victims of disasters or crisis situations in projects run by the Civil Protection Association. The topics covered range from measures to protect against flooding and natural disasters, to radiation protection and how to deal with potential blackouts. The Austrian Armed Forces are on hand to help the population to prepare for and avert danger, and for protection and assistance should such situations arise. This has been impressively demonstrated not least by their many past deployments during natural disasters, or by the diverse assistance and support services they provided during the Covid 19 crisis.
Report: BMLV, Presseabteilung
Photo: NÖZSV/Wittmann
