oplan.de — a civilian project
Europe’s security situation, made clear.
How does Germany defend itself? How does Europe defend itself? OPLAN.de puts the civilian security situation into context. It complements the military Operation Plan Germany (OPLAN DEU).
Basics
What is Operation Plan Germany (OPLAN DEU)?
Basics, objectives and significance of the military defence plan.
Situation map
Current situation in the Hybrid Threat Monitor
Hybrid incidents and threats by domain, shown on a map.
Background
What does resilience mean in the context of defence?
Being prepared when systems fail and supplies or infrastructure are damaged.
What counts as critical infrastructure?
In the event of collective defence (an Article 5 case), the military takes precedence over public life. Protecting critical infrastructure (KRITIS) is not a military task; it is the responsibility of the KRITIS operators. Every security concept must take the OPLAN DEU into account. This gives the OPLAN DEU a decisive role well beyond military planning.
The OPLAN Sunday Evening Briefing
Every Sunday, OPLAN.de brings together the key developments in security, defence and resilience in Germany and Europe. Concise and written for decision-makers – straight to your inbox.
We review the news, select the most important reports and summarise them neutrally and concisely – with a direct link to each original source.
- Which of this week’s developments matter for security policy?
- What is happening in defence, critical infrastructure and civil security?
- Which security issues affect businesses and organisations?
Background & context
Defence is not solely the job of the Bundeswehr. The Zeitenwende also marks a turning point for civil society. Germany and Europe can only defend themselves if the many parts of the state, the economy and society work together.
How it fits into NATO planning, the Zeitenwende and Germany’s whole-of-government defence structure.
Es wurden keine Beiträge gefunden.
Shared responsibility – in practice
Total defence is not just a strategic concept but an operational mandate for every level of society. This means that the private sector, local authorities and the civilian population also bear responsibility – not as bystanders, but as load-bearing pillars of a resilient Germany.
For businesses
Staying operational
Businesses are not just affected by crises – they are crucial to overcoming them. Supply chains, logistics, energy supply and IT security can only be maintained if businesses are prepared.
Example
If, in a state of defence, a large share of care staff, lorry drivers or IT specialists are lost to reserve duty, evacuation or infrastructure failure, supply grinds to a halt. Responsibility for protective measures – such as securing buildings, backup power or replacement staff – lies not with the military but with the businesses themselves. Protecting critical infrastructure is a civilian duty.
For local authorities
Close to people – crucial in a crisis
Local authorities are people’s first point of contact with the state – in a crisis more than ever. They organise evacuations, emergency shelters, water supply and disaster relief. Yet so far, structures vary widely from region to region.
Example
In one federal state the siren warning system is well developed; in another there are no emergency plans for power cuts. Federalism leads to different approaches and rules – which makes each local authority all the more responsible for putting structures in place early, so it can still act when state authorities are overstretched.
For citizens
Think ahead, pitch in, take part
The public is not merely on the receiving end of state protection – it is part of the security system. Anyone who knows what to do in a crisis can then help their neighbours too – and so strengthens the whole country.
Example
If electricity, water or the internet go down, nobody can count on the military or the authorities to help straight away. Preparing with supplies, neighbourhood networks or alternative sources of information builds staying power – and takes pressure off the emergency services.
Further information
Here you will find a collection of sources, documents and further information on OPLAN and the state of defence.