German lawmakers on Thursday approved a new law aimed at strengthening the protection of critical infrastructure, amid a rise in Russian-backed sabotage efforts as well as an increase in attacks on energy and transport infrastructure.
The law imposes stricter obligations on companies operating critical infrastructure – including large energy suppliers and waterworks – to protect their facilities, as well as an obligation to report security-related incidents and fines for violations of the rules.
The protection of such facilities has recently been the subject of intense debate, not least because of a recent arson attack that disrupted parts of Berlin’s electricity supply for days.
The law, which was backed by the ruling conservative-led coalition as well as the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), implements an EU directive.
Following the attack on Berlin’s energy grid, which authorities believe was carried out by left-wing militants, the coalition added an amendment to the draft bill calling on the government to review which information on critical infrastructure is publicly accessible online and to “consistently” remove it.
The arson attack on the Berlin grid, which left tens of thousands in the dark for days at the start of the year, sparked heated debate after authorities said the perpetrators appeared to have known which parts of the grid to target for maximum effect.
dpa
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