National Security Council approves plan against hybrid threats!

National Security Council approves plan against hybrid threats!

Today, November 5, 2025, the National Security Council officially began its work. At a first meeting, an action plan to defend against hybrid threats, particularly from Russia, was decided. The National Security Council should meet in crises and develop strategies to better respond to threatening situations.

The federal government is reacting to the gradual increase in threats that are hitting Germany from various directions. Since Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine began in February 2022, the country's hybrid measures against Germany have intensified. These are aimed at undermining Western states' support for Ukraine. Germany is viewed by Russia as a serious threat, primarily due to its economic power and its desire not to support the territorial claims of other states, as the Federal Emergency Management Agency reports.

Protection of critical infrastructure

A central element of the new action plan is the protection of critical infrastructure such as power plants, water and power lines as well as gas and oil pipelines. These infrastructures are essential to the functioning of the country and their security is of utmost importance. However, details of the plan remain secret because the committee, consisting of members of the federal government and representatives of the security authorities, does not meet publicly.

In addition, the action plan also includes counter-espionage measures. Germany is not only exposed to threats from Russia, but also from a number of other countries. China has developed an offensive cyber strategy that is directed against German companies and authorities and thus pursues the economic and geopolitical goal of gaining influence.

Strategic dependencies and future challenges

The National Security Council was founded as part of the coalition agreement between the CDU, CSU and SPD and replaces the previous Federal Security Council and the Security Cabinet. Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) is in the chair. Other members include the ministers for finance, foreign affairs, defense, interior, justice, economics, development and digital affairs. Representatives of the federal states, other countries as well as the European Union and NATO can also take part in the meetings if necessary.

Another important point on the National Security Council's agenda is the strategic dependencies on critical raw materials, such as rare earths from China. A corresponding action plan is to be developed by the end of the year in order to respond to the growing dependence on these materials.

Amid all these developments, it remains to be seen how the measures will go beyond protecting critical infrastructure and help ensure Germany's security and that of its citizens in the long term. The action plan is a first step on a challenging path.