As part of the annual conference series organized by the CHB Group, a high-level security conference took place on Thursday, 16 October 2025, at Schloss Bredeneek near Lehmkuhlen. Under the title “War and Crises Around the World – What Is the Security Situation in Germany?”, numerous leading figures from politics, the military, and academia came together to discuss current security policy challenges in times of global uncertainty.
An Opening with a Clear Messages
The event was opened by Carl Heinrich Bruhn, initiator of the conference series, who emphasized the importance of dialogue and cooperation in times of uncertainty. Günter Frehse, the current Mayor of Lehmkuhlen, followed with welcoming remarks, highlighting the close connection between regional engagement and global responsibility. Subsequently, Dr. Norbert Langfeldt, the former Mayor, provided a brief historical overview of Schloss Bredeneek, whose long history and impressive architecture offered a fitting setting for the discussions on security policy.
International Perspectives on a Changing World Order
The first keynote was delivered by Prof. Dr. Joachim Krause, former Director of the Institute for Security Policy at Kiel University (ISPK). He analyzed the current international situation, addressing the growing instability caused by geopolitical shifts and regional conflicts.
He was followed by Lieutenant General (ret.) Ben Hodges, former Commander of U.S. Forces in Europe, who spoke on the topic “How Should Europe and NATO Prepare for New Crises?” Hodges underlined that Europe’s ability to stand firm, even without immediate American support, is of decisive importance. His focus was less on political demands and more on the need to make better use of existing military and industrial capacities within Europe and to improve strategic cooperation. He emphasized that collaboration and joint planning are key to ensuring long-term defense readiness.
Transatlantic Relations and German Defense Policy
Prof. James D. Bindenagel, former U.S. Ambassador to Germany, discussed the importance of reliable international partnerships and the interconnection between diplomacy, security, and economic stability in a changing world order. He stressed that mutual trust and shared values form the foundation for sustainable security structures.
Following him, Rear Admiral Hans-Jörg Detlefsen, Defense Policy Expert in the Federal Chancellery, provided an insightful overview of how the German government is preparing for the evolving security environment. In his presentation “Status, Needs, and Challenges,” he outlined the structural issues and future priorities of Germany’s defense policy.
Maritime Security and Regional Significance
A particularly practical perspective was offered by Rear Admiral Sascha Helge Rackwitz, Chief of Staff to the Inspector General of the German Armed Forces, who addressed maritime security in the Baltic Sea region. Given rising tensions in the area, he emphasized the strategic importance of the Baltic Sea for Germany’s security.
An Engaged Audience and Lively Discussion Throughout the conference, the audience was highly attentive and actively engaged. During the Q&A sessions, participants posed numerous thoughtful and critical questions, particularly regarding the implications of the changing security landscape for Schleswig-Holstein. Many attendees were interested in how regional authorities, civil protection agencies, and the Bundeswehr are working together to prepare for new threat scenarios. The discussions were both constructive and analytical, reflecting the strong regional relevance of the topic.
Panel Discussion on Schleswig-Holstein’s Security
The event concluded with a dynamic panel discussion moderated by Carl Heinrich Bruhn. Among the panelists were Colonel Michael Skamel (State Command of the Bundeswehr in Schleswig-Holstein), MD Tilo von Riegen (Ministry of the Interior of Schleswig-Holstein), Ralph Schmieder (German Red Cross Schleswig-Holstein), Tim Brockmann (Mayor of Preetz), and Claus Böttcher (German Federal Agency for Technical Relief, THW). The panel focused on civil-military cooperation, crisis management, and disaster preparedness in northern Germany. All participants agreed that security in Germany must be approached in a comprehensive manner—encompassing military, political, and societal dimensions.
