Germany is establishing a National Security Council (NSR) to centralize its foreign and defense policy, with operations set to begin in October 2025. Chancellor Friedrich Merz will chair this new body, which aims to consolidate foreign, security, and defense matters for a more unified governmental response to geopolitical challenges. The NSR will convene key ministers from various departments, including foreign affairs, interior, defense, finance, economic affairs, justice, development, and digital ministries, to ensure a comprehensive overview for decisive action.
This initiative represents a significant step in Germany's efforts to strengthen its security architecture. It follows a joint defense and security council announced by Chancellor Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron in May 2025, which was designed to enhance European defense cooperation and address shared strategic threats amidst heightened tensions with Russia and evolving transatlantic dynamics. Chancellor Merz has also emphasized Germany's commitment to international security, notably at the NATO summit in The Hague in June 2025. There, he highlighted the necessity of increased defense spending and Germany's aspiration to develop the Bundeswehr into Europe's most formidable conventional army. This strategic consolidation aligns with a broader European trend toward bolstering collective security and operational readiness. Germany plans to increase its defense expenditures to 3.5% of GDP by 2029, a move that supports NATO's objectives and signals a proactive stance in safeguarding European interests. Further evidence of this ambition includes plans to increase active personnel and invest in modernization to meet contemporary security landscape demands. The establishment of the NSR is a crucial step in streamlining Germany's national security approach, enabling more coordinated and effective international engagement and reinforcing its role as a key player in European and transatlantic security.