Germany’s National Security Council, chaired by Chancellor Friedrich Merz, agreed on new measures to strengthen the country’s security against Russia-linked hybrid threats.
German government spokesperson Stefan Kornelius said the meeting assessed the risks facing Germany. The talks took place after the drone attack at Leipzig Airport last month, which officials said had been planned by Russian intelligence.
Preparing for espionage and sabotage
Kornelius said the council conducted its comprehensive assessment on the assumption that Germany would continue to be targeted by Russia-linked hybrid attacks.
While discussing the federal government’s response to future hybrid attacks, the council also reviewed measures previously agreed under the action plan for defending against hybrid threats. Following the meeting, it agreed to take new steps against espionage and sabotage and to adopt measures to protect critical infrastructure.
Kornelius noted that the relevant ministries represented on the National Security Council had been engaged in intensive coordination for weeks.
Plan to reduce supply dependence
The council also identified steps to reduce Germany’s one-sided dependence on foreign suppliers in areas important to the economy and security. As part of this effort, it planned a rapid review of investment-screening legislation and the creation of a diversified, resilient supply structure for critical raw materials.
The Raw Materials Fund established by the government will remain the main financing instrument for the Raw Materials Policy Action Plan. Kornelius said the fund would continue in this role.
The meeting also revisited military and civil defense issues, as well as the security implications of artificial intelligence.
