Mr Scholz pointed out that since his administration agreed to develop a strategy, the security architecture of Europe has changed radically. He cited the destruction of critical infrastructure such as the Nord Stream pipeline by the Russia-Ukraine conflict as a new impetus for the plan.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz (center) and members of his Cabinet present Germany's security strategy. Photo: DW
“I highlight all these events to make clear how the security environment has changed dramatically for Germany in the past year and a half,” he said. “Despite all the changes, the core task of a state remains to ensure the security of its citizens.”
While previous policy documents focused on defense, the new strategy will focus more on foreign policy, Mr. Scholz said. The German chancellor also stressed the importance of Germany being supplied with raw materials securely and sustainably.
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock agreed that there needed to be a stronger focus on security since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. She said that since the war, “we have all had to learn that freedom and peace do not fall from the sky.”
German Finance Minister Christian Lindner said Germany would aim to spend 2% of GDP on defense from next year. However, he said the target could only be met with special funds, otherwise major savings or tax increases would be needed.
Mr Scholz's coalition government agreed a more comprehensive security strategy in November 2021 and the proposal gained further attention when Russia launched its military campaign in Ukraine last February.
The war exposed shortcomings in the German military, such as the country's overreliance on Russian energy and questions about how to protect critical infrastructure such as gas pipelines.
Germany's national security strategy is the result of months of consultation with experts and citizens at district, state and federal levels, as well as months of delay and debate on a number of issues.
Huy Hoang (according to DW, Reuters, AP)
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