Germany Is Creating A Permanent Operational Mechanism to Counter Hybrid Operations

The German Ministry of the Interior (BMI) has initiated the creation of a new Joint Security Center to counter hybrid threats (Gemeinsamen Zentrum der Sicherheitsbehörden aus Bund und Ländern zur Abwehr von hybriden Bedrohungen) – an interagency structure involving federal and lands’ security agencies, which is planned to be located at the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV).

The Centre’s key task will be to develop a Common Operational Picture, which will enable the timely identification of the nature and likely origin of hybrid attacks, as well as the determination of the responsible authorities and necessary countermeasures. The creation of the new structure is linked to an increase in incidents that security agencies classify as hybrid, including sabotage, disinformation campaigns, and reports of terrorist attacks. European intelligence services link some of these actions to the activities of russian special services.

BMI’s spokesperson M. Kall has pointed out that the “ongoing tense security situation”, particularly due to threats from russia, requires closer cooperation of all agencies involved. The initiative is seen as part of a broader plan to counter hybrid threats, launched by the recently established German National Security Council. Currently, the German Ministry of the Interior has a working group called “Hybrid”, but the launch of the Center should ensure the transition from a consultative format to a mechanism of permanent operational response.

In general, the creation of a specialized Center indicates the institutionalization of the German government’s perception of hybrid operations, first of all from the rf, as a long-term and systemic challenge to Germany’s national security and its intention to increase the operational response to such threats within the country.