The Federal Government has a wealth of expertise and knowledge in matters relating to national security. In future, this is to be combined, processed and coordinated even better in a National Security Council. 

Its purpose is to form a bridge between the departments in order to bring together overarching issues as well as knowledge and expertise from internal, external, economic and digital security policy. On this comprehensive basis, the Federal Government can make the necessary decisions – in the interests of security.

Three core tasks for security

The National Security Council Cabinet Committee is intended to fulfil three central core tasks that complement each other and strengthen national security: 

• It will process and combine the Federal Government’s information and knowledge. Political decisions will be prepared and made on the basis of a comprehensive overview of the national security situation. The National Security Council can make the final decision – provided that the Basic Law or a federal law does not prevent the decision.
• In addition, the National Security Council will provide strategic foresight and planning in order to recognise not only current events but also medium-term and long-term threats, develop courses of action and make preparations. This includes updating the National Security Strategy.
• It will also make an important contribution to strengthening Germany’s resilience. This includes conducting crisis simulations and security policy exercises. 

A project by the entire Federal Government

The National Security Council is a project the entire Federal Government is supporting in order to strengthen the overall national security architecture. Chaired by the Federal Chancellor, the National Security Council consists of the following members: 

• Federal Minister of Finance (Deputy)
• Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs
• Federal Minister of the Interior
• Federal Minister of Justice and Consumer Protection
• Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy
• Federal Minister of Defence
• Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development
• Federal Minister for Digitalization and Government Modernization
• Head of the Federal Chancellery and Federal Minister for Special Tasks

Additional members of the Federal Government may be consulted on an ad hoc basis if their areas of responsibility are affected. 

Using knowledge from all areas that are relevant to security

In addition, representatives 

• of the federal states
• of other countries, the EU, NATO and other international organisations,
• of think tanks, foundations and the scientific community, and
• of the security and other federal authorities and the intelligence services 

can also participate in discussions as required and make a contribution.