The German government on Wednesday approved the creation of a permanent National Security Council aimed at strengthening the country’s medium- and long-term security planning.
The new body, replacing the Federal Security Council and the Security Cabinet, delivers on a key election pledge by Chancellor Friedrich Merz. It reflects growing recognition that Germany had lost its strategic focus on security during the relative calm of the post-Cold War era.
“This is long overdue,” said Stefan Mair, head of the SWP think tank. “Its value lies less in the decisions taken than in ensuring that ministries develop a shared understanding of the security landscape.”
Germany was left unprepared for Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, with gas reserves only half full, forcing Berlin to rapidly overhaul its energy system to reduce dependence on Moscow. The shock prompted deep reflection among policymakers, with many blaming successive governments for letting the armed forces shrink after the Soviet Union’s collapse in 1991.
The new council, based permanently at Merz’s riverside office, will be tasked both with addressing immediate threats and anticipating longer-term risks. It will be chaired by the chancellor, with the finance minister as his deputy. Permanent members will include the ministers of foreign affairs, interior, justice, economy, defence, development and digitalisation.
Additional representatives from Germany’s federal states, allied nations or the scientific community may be brought in when required.
Germany joins a growing list of countries to establish a centralised security committee modelled on the United States’ National Security Council, with Britain among the first to adopt a similar system in 2010.
Denmark has publicly apologized to Greenland over the administration of birth control on its girls and women over decades as part of plans to fend off...
China’s northern port city is preparing to welcome leaders from across three continents for the largest Shanghai Cooperation Organization gathering ...
Germany’s cabinet approved a draft bill on Wednesday (August 27) to introduce voluntary military service, as Berlin seeks to strengthen national def...
UN nuclear inspectors have returned to Iran for the first time since Tehran halted cooperation following Israeli strikes on its nuclear facilities, Ir...
Emergency areas have been officially designated in Spain after 113 wildfires destroyed more than 400,000 hectares this summer. Spain's Interior Minist...
Denmark has publicly apologized to Greenland over the administration of birth control on its girls and women over decades as part of plans to fend off growing U.S. interest in the mineral-rich island.
China’s northern port city is preparing to welcome leaders from across three continents for the largest Shanghai Cooperation Organization gathering to date.
Germany’s cabinet approved a draft bill on Wednesday (August 27) to introduce voluntary military service, as Berlin seeks to strengthen national defence amid heightened security concerns over Russia.
UN nuclear inspectors have returned to Iran for the first time since Tehran halted cooperation following Israeli strikes on its nuclear facilities, Iranian state media reported on Wednesday.
A powerful eruption at Japan’s Shinmoedake volcano sent an ash plume more than 3,000 metres high on Sunday morning, prompting safety warnings from authorities.
According to the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ), a magnitude 5.7 earthquake struck the Oaxaca region of Mexico on Saturday.
The UK is gearing up for Exercise Pegasus 2025, its largest pandemic readiness test since COVID-19. Running from September to November, this full-scale simulation will challenge the country's response to a fast-moving respiratory outbreak.
Kuwait says oil prices will likely stay below $72 per barrel as OPEC monitors global supply trends and U.S. policy signals. The remarks come during market uncertainty fueled by new U.S. tariffs on India and possible sanctions on Russia.
Denmark has publicly apologized to Greenland over the administration of birth control on its girls and women over decades as part of plans to fend off growing U.S. interest in the mineral-rich island.
China’s northern port city is preparing to welcome leaders from across three continents for the largest Shanghai Cooperation Organization gathering to date.
Germany’s cabinet approved a draft bill on Wednesday (August 27) to introduce voluntary military service, as Berlin seeks to strengthen national defence amid heightened security concerns over Russia.
UN nuclear inspectors have returned to Iran for the first time since Tehran halted cooperation following Israeli strikes on its nuclear facilities, Iranian state media reported on Wednesday.
Emergency areas have been officially designated in Spain after 113 wildfires destroyed more than 400,000 hectares this summer. Spain's Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska made the announcement on Wednesday.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment