Hamburg Assumes Leadership of Interior Ministers’ Conference
Hamburg, January 8, 2026 – Hamburg’s Interior Senator Andy Grote (SPD) officially took over the chairmanship of the Interior Ministers’ Conference today. The symbolic handover took place aboard the historic tall ship Rickmer Rickmers, where Bremen’s Interior Senator Dr. Eva Högl (SPD) passed the baton to Grote.
Key Focus: Protecting Democracy and Strengthening Civil Defense
The Interior Ministers’ Conference serves as a crucial forum where Germany’s federal states deliberate on critical issues concerning internal security. This year, the agenda is set to prioritize two paramount themes: the protection of democracy and the enhancement of civil defense capabilities. These topics reflect the evolving security landscape and the need for robust strategies to safeguard societal stability and resilience.
Senator Grote emphasized the significance of these discussions, stating that a strong democracy is the foundation of a free society, and effective civil defense is essential for responding to contemporary challenges. The conference aims to foster collaborative approaches among the federal states to develop and implement comprehensive measures in these areas.
Handover Ceremony on Rickmer Rickmers
The ceremonial transfer of the chairmanship underscored the importance of the event. The Rickmer Rickmers, a prominent Hamburg landmark, provided a fitting backdrop for the occasion, symbolizing tradition and a forward-looking perspective on internal security matters. The event was attended by various dignitaries and representatives from the participating federal states, highlighting the collective commitment to addressing Germany’s security concerns.
Dr. Eva Högl, the outgoing chair, expressed her confidence in Hamburg’s leadership, acknowledging the city’s dedication to internal security and its capacity to guide the conference effectively through its upcoming challenges. She also highlighted the progress made during Bremen’s tenure and wished Senator Grote success in his new role.
Agenda for the Upcoming Year
Throughout the year, the conference will delve into specific initiatives and policy proposals related to democracy protection, including measures to combat extremism, disinformation, and cyber threats. In the realm of civil defense, discussions will focus on improving disaster preparedness, enhancing emergency response mechanisms, and strengthening the resilience of critical infrastructure against various hazards. The goal is to ensure that Germany is well-equipped to face both conventional and unconventional threats.
The chairmanship of the Interior Ministers’ Conference rotates among the federal states, providing each state with an opportunity to shape the national agenda on internal security. Hamburg’s leadership is expected to bring fresh perspectives and innovative solutions to the table, building upon the collective expertise of all participating states.
The official assumption of the chairmanship marks the beginning of a period of intensive work and collaboration aimed at reinforcing Germany’s internal security framework and ensuring the safety and well-being of its citizens.
