Signing of the contract in Graz: Strengthening civil defense in Austria secured in the long term

The Ministry of the Interior and the Civil Defense Association conclude a funding agreement

Vienna/Graz (OTS) – On Monday, May 27, 2024, Federal Minister Gerhard Karner, the President of the Austrian Civil Protection Association (ÖZSV), Andreas Hanger, and the Vice President of the Styrian Civil Protection Association, Bernadette Kerschler, signed a contract at the Operations Coordination Center (EIKO) in Graz, with which the civil protection is secured in the long term in Austria. The contract is based on the Rescue and Civil Protection Organization Support Act, which was unanimously passed in parliament at the end of last year.

„This agreement ensures that the financing of civil defense in Austria is sustainable and, above all, can be planned. Above all, I would like to thank the thousands of volunteers for their commitment and commitment to crisis preparedness“, says Gerhard Karner.

„The conclusion of this funding agreement, together with its anchoring in the Rescue and Civil Protection Organizations Support Act, is a milestone for civil protection in Austria. For the first time, the important activities of the civil protection associations at the federal level are not only clearly defined, but also financially secured in the long termt,” said Andreas Hanger, President of the ÖZSV.

The key areas of work to be pursued with the new funding include, among other things, the expansion of digital offerings, the expansion of the network of local contacts for the population and the expansion of information work in the area of ​​children and young people as well as for other vulnerable groups. This means that comprehensive, Austria-wide information about civil protection and personal precautions – in close coordination with the civil protection associations at the state level – is also guaranteed in the future, explains Civil Protection President Andreas Hanger.

The Austrian Civil Protection Association was founded in 1961 and, with its regional associations, has always pursued the goal of informing the population of Austria about self-precaution and the correct behavior in crisis and dangerous situations. Further information: www.zivilschutz.at

Questions & Contact:

Austrian Civil Protection Association
Vanessa Kahr, press spokesperson
+43 (0) 664-88918167
presse@zivilschutz.at
www.zivilschutz.at