Russia-linked hybrid threats have prompted Germany’s National Security Council to adopt new security measures. The meeting, chaired by Chancellor Friedrich Merz, addressed steps to be taken by the federal government against espionage and sabotage attempts.
German government spokesperson Stefan Kornelius said the council had conducted a comprehensive assessment of the risks facing Germany. The meeting was held following the drone attack at Leipzig Airport last month. Authorities said the attack had been planned by Russian intelligence.
Defence plan against hybrid attacks
Kornelius said Germany was operating on the assumption that it would continue to be targeted by Russia-linked hybrid attacks. The National Security Council reviewed the federal government’s response to future hybrid attacks, as well as measures previously agreed under the action plan for defending against hybrid threats.
Following the meeting, it was announced that new steps would be taken against espionage and sabotage. Additional measures to protect critical infrastructure were also approved. Kornelius said the relevant ministries represented on the council had been engaged in intensive coordination for weeks.
Dependence on foreign suppliers to be reduced
The council also set out steps to reduce Germany’s one-sided dependence on foreign suppliers in areas of economic and security importance. Under this framework, the government plans to swiftly review investment-screening legislation and establish a diversified, resilient supply structure for critical raw materials.
Kornelius said the Raw Materials Fund established by the government would remain the main financing instrument under the Raw Materials Policy Action Plan.
The meeting also involved a renewed assessment of military and civil defence, as well as the security implications of artificial intelligence.
