In the National Security Council, the Federal Government’s expertise and knowledge in matters of national security are pooled, coordinated across the departments and prepared for strategic decision-making. 

The National Security Council deals with issues at the interface between internal, external, economic and digital security as well as civil and military defence, acting as a bridge and closing the gaps that can arise at the interfaces of national security. 

Three core tasks for national security

As a cabinet committee, the National Security Council fulfils three central core tasks that complement each other and strengthen national security: 

• Information and knowledge from the Federal Government is collated and condensed into situation reports, and these form the basis for targeted preparation and resolution of political decisions. The National Security Council can make the final decision – provided that the Basic Law or a federal law does not prevent the decision.
• The National Security Council contributes to the Federal Government’s strategy development and strategic foresight in order to analyse possible medium and long-term threats, develop options for action and make preparations, in addition to dealing with current events. This includes updating the National Security Strategy.
• It also makes an important contribution to strengthening Germany’s overall national resilience, which includes conducting crisis simulations and security policy exercises. 

A project by the entire Federal Government 

The National Security Council meets under the chairmanship of the Federal Chancellor and consists of the following members: 

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

Other members of the Federal Government, representatives of the Federal States and individuals with outstanding expertise may be consulted on an ad hoc basis if their areas of responsibility are affected. 

Three questions, three answers on its structure and working methods

Who convenes the National Security Council? 

The Federal Chancellor chairs the National Security Council and convenes it. 

When and how does the National Security Council meet? 

The National Security Council meets regularly, but can also be convened at short notice for meetings concerning specific situations or crises. 

How does the National Security Council work? 

The National Security Council is supported by an administrative department at the Federal Chancellery which coordinates and manages the work required to prepare and run the meetings of the National Security Council. The specialised departments at the Federal Chancellery and the ministries involved make a significant contribution to this in their respective areas of competence and responsibility.