Germany faces coordination gaps in large-scale crisis management

An analysis by the AFCEA Bonn association highlights significant coordination gaps in Germany’s ability to respond to large-scale crises. Based on interviews with 55 experts from government agencies, aid organizations, industry, and clinics, the report suggests that the primary weakness is not a lack of legal frameworks or technical capabilities, but rather a lack of binding procedures to consolidate information and clarify responsibilities between authorities, federal states, the Bundeswehr, and critical infrastructure operators.

One specific risk identified is the potential for resource duplication. For example, the report cites a case where a food retailer’s inventory was included in both military operational planning and civilian reserve planning without coordination, risking the depletion of scarce resources. Additionally, the report notes the absence of a central authority capable of nationwide patient management, which could be vital if military medical capacities are exceeded during a NATO-related emergency.