On 1 July, Germany takes over the EU Council Presidency and faces a major agenda. [Part 2]

The EU needs a European infrastructure strategy. Traditional and modern infrastructures, whether real or digital, are the paths along which growth, jobs and prosperity for Europe’s citizens advance and are created. But not only that: infrastructures provide states and regions with security and structure, and citizens with educational opportunities and health protection. In the geostrategic conflicts of the 21st century, infrastructures are also targets of political disputes through direct attacks or economic takeovers.

The European Union must respond to these multiple challenges in a tailored manner. This includes – a central lesson of the Corona crisis – a modern health and disaster protection system that works together across borders. The establishment of joint stockpiles of critical medical devices and medicines is just as necessary as regular and effective training to avert dangerous situations. The Member States have a wealth of unique and high-quality experience and equipment in the field of health and civil protection. They must be carefully linked for the efficient and effective protection of the whole of Europe.