The inaugural meeting of Germany’s National Security Council convened on Wednesday, chaired by Chancellor Friedrich Merz of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU). According to government spokesman Stefan Kornelius, the session prioritized the development of a cross-departmental action plan specifically designed to counter hybrid threats facing the nation.
The escalating nature and intensity of these threats, primarily attributed to Russia, prompted the initiative. The action plan reportedly encompasses enhanced counter-espionage measures alongside robust strategies aimed at safeguarding Germany’s critical infrastructure. Critics are already questioning the plan’s specificity and the level of concrete action pledged, with some expressing concern that it lacks commitment to budgetary allocation and practical implementation.
Beyond the immediate response to hybrid threats, the Council also addressed the increasingly precarious issue of strategic dependencies on critical raw materials. Proposals under consideration include bolstering the circular economy, establishing strategic reserves and revitalizing domestic mining operations. The government intends to finalize a comprehensive action plan by year-end, intended to diversify supply chains and improve the resilience of Germany’s raw material security. This move is seen by some as a reaction to geopolitical instability and rising global competition, but also as potentially increasing costs for consumers and impacting industrial competitiveness.
The discussion also extended to broader security policy concerns, though details remain undisclosed. The establishment and operation of the National Security Council itself is perceived by some as a shift towards a more centralized and potentially less transparent approach to national security decision-making, raising questions about parliamentary oversight and public accountability.