The German government faces mounting pressure to accelerate its response to escalating hybrid threats, with Green Party parliamentary group deputy Konstantin von Notz urging a “genuine security offensive” before the Christmas holidays. Von Notz’s call comes amidst growing concerns about vulnerabilities exposing German society to increasingly sophisticated and multifaceted attacks.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) recently announced a “comprehensive action plan to counter hybrid dangers” during a government statement to the Bundestag. This plan will be the primary focus of the newly formed National Security Council, slated to hold its inaugural meeting early in November. The announced measures purportedly include enhanced drone defense capabilities and a targeted effort to combat disinformation campaigns.
While von Notz acknowledged the Chancellor’s initial response, he emphasized the urgent need for a more robust and comprehensive approach. “The tasks that now urgently require resolute action are as pressing as they are diverse” he stated, highlighting the necessity of developing a current threat assessment, streamlining drone defense mechanisms and implementing a thorough reform of Germany’s intelligence agencies. He also stressed the critical need for a unified legal framework to protect critical infrastructure and to bolster the capabilities of the Federal Office for Information Security (BSI). Crucially, von Notz underscored the importance of empowering the BSI to provide assistance to state governments in responding to severe cyberattacks.
The urgency of the situation raises questions about the government’s historical preparedness and the speed with which concrete actions will be implemented. Critics argue that previous efforts have been reactive rather than proactive, leaving significant gaps in Germany’s resilience. The formation of the National Security Council and the subsequent action plan represent a potentially crucial turning point, yet the challenge lies in translating these announcements into tangible security improvements before the risks further escalate. The effectiveness of the planned offensive will critically depend on the commitment of resources, the independence of the intelligence services and a willingness to address potentially uncomfortable truths about Germany’s vulnerabilities.