Germany adopts first-ever National Security Strategy

BERLIN

Germany adopted its first-ever National Security Strategy on Wednesday, outlining bold measures to address major threats and security challenges.

The plan envisages a stronger international role for Germany to ensure peace and security in Europe, and sets out new priorities for the ministries, armed forces and intelligence services.

“We defend our free, democratic basic order against illegitimate attempts of influence from abroad. Together with our partners, we stand up for a free international order based on international law and the UN Charter,” the government said in a document.

According to the plan, Germany will increase its defense budget and will spend at least 2% of its gross domestic product on defense, in line with NATO’s decisions.

“The primary task of our security policy is to ensure that we can continue to live in peace and freedom in our country. For this purpose, we are firmly committed to the NATO and the EU, and we are strengthening the German armed forces (Bundeswehr) for its core mission of national and alliance defense,” the government said.

The plan also underlined the need for Germany to strengthen its counterespionage activities and further develop its cyber security capabilities.

The government also pledged to reduce Germany’s dependence on imported raw materials and diversify energy supply sources.

“The constant availability of many raw materials and commodities on the global market is no longer a given. The aim must therefore be to reduce existing one-sided dependencies, prevent the emergence of new dependencies, provide targeted support for raw materials projects in cooperation with business and set up strategic reserves,” the government said.