# Red Cross crisis preparedness and funding initiatives > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/red-cross-crisis-preparedness-and-funding-initiatives > Updated: 2026-10-21T04:20:49.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2. The Austrian Red Cross has called for an annual investment of 250 million euros to enhance civilian crisis preparedness. General Secretary Michael Opriesnig stated that funding should extend beyond military spending to ensure societal resilience, specifically targeting the protection of critical infrastructure such as energy, water, food, healthcare, transport, and digital networks. The request also aims to support modern warning systems and emergency personnel training. In Germany, the German Red Cross has secured investments for emergency services and social programs. In the Eifelkreis region, the Bitburg-Prüm district association introduced two new emergency vehicles valued at over 500,000 euros, including an emergency transport vehicle and an emergency doctor vehicle. Additionally, the DRK state association in Hessen received approximately 194,186 euros from LOTTO Hessen to fund health and social projects, including elderly care, migration integration, and volunteer engagement. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-21: German Red Cross receives funding and new emergency vehicles The German Red Cross is expanding its capabilities through over 500,000 euros in new emergency vehicles in Eifelkreis and nearly 194,000 euros in health and social project funding in Hessen. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/german-red-cross-receives-funding-and-new-emergency-vehicles ### 2026-10-20: Austrian Red Cross calls for 250 million euros for crisis preparedness The Austrian Red Cross is requesting 250 million euros annually for civilian crisis preparedness, focusing on protecting critical infrastructure, energy, and water supplies. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/austrian-red-cross-calls-for-250-million-euros-for-crisis-preparedness --- Cite as: Red Cross crisis preparedness and funding initiatives. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/red-cross-crisis-preparedness-and-funding-initiatives