Germany’s first national security strategy focuses on Russia.

Germany’s National Security Plan Identifies Russia as Biggest Threat

Russia is the biggest security threat “for the foreseeable future” to Germany, the latter government said in its first comprehensive national security plan, released on Wednesday.

Germany’s Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s government has released its first comprehensive national security plan, identifying Russia as the biggest threat to peace and security in the Euro-Atlantic area. The 76-page document outlines the strategy, which focuses on three pillars: increasing defense spending, reducing dependence on rivals, and sustainability.

Increased Defense Spending

The plan includes reaching the NATO goal of 2% of gross domestic produce from next year, which will increase defense spending. This will enable Germany and its allies to be better equipped to face new military and geopolitical threats.

Reducing Dependence on Rivals

The second pillar of the strategy is reducing dependence on rivals. Germany aims to reduce its dependence on Russia for energy and other resources. This will make Germany and its allies less vulnerable to economic and political pressure from Russia.

Sustainability

The third pillar of the strategy is sustainability. Germany aims to reduce its carbon footprint and become more environmentally friendly. This will help Germany and its allies to reduce their dependence on fossil fuels and other non-renewable resources.

Chancellor Olaf Scholz called the strategy “a big, big change in the way we deal with security issues,” adding, “The national security strategy, to make it clear, is not an endpoint, but a starting point.”

Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock stated, “All of us had to learn with the brutal war of aggression of Russia against Ukraine that freedom and peace do not fall from the sky.”

The policy notes Berlin’s view that Beijing is “a partner, competitor and systemic rival,” adding, “We have observed that rivalry and competition have increased in the past years,” and, “China is deliberately exerting its economic power to reach political goals.”

The plan does not mention Taiwan, the independent island nation that Beijing considers a territory it wants to reunify with despite their objections. Chinese leaders have said they are willing to take Taiwan by force if they determine that’s necessary, while the United States maintains there should be no unilateral change between China and Taiwan.

Conclusion

Germany’s national security plan is a comprehensive strategy that aims to increase defense spending, reduce dependence on rivals, and promote sustainability. The plan identifies Russia as the biggest threat to peace and security in the Euro-Atlantic area. The plan also acknowledges the increasing rivalry and competition with China.