Germany faces significant security policy challenges, Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated on Monday evening during an event hosted by the “Rheinische Post” in Düsseldorf. Asserting the nation exists in a state “neither at war, nor at peace” Merz highlighted the escalating threat posed by drone activity within German airspace.
Specifically, he cautioned about unauthorized drone flights over critical infrastructure, citing instances over regions like Denmark and Schleswig-Holstein. While the origin of these drones remains uncertain, suspicion points toward Russia. In response to this development, the government is planning amendments to the Air Security Law, which would enable the Bundeswehr (German armed forces) to provide assistance to the police.
Acknowledging the complexities of managing a densely populated country, Merz emphasized the difficulty in safely intercepting drones, particularly given the potential for unintended consequences were they to fall in populated areas such as residential gardens, kindergartens, or hospitals. He advocated for preventing drones from entering European airspace entirely.
Beyond the immediate drone threat, the Chancellor pointed to a broader reshaping of global power dynamics. He observed a fundamental shift occurring, with the decline of international law and a rules-based order being replaced by a focus on raw power. This trend, he noted, is accompanied by the increasing use of military means. While pronounced in Russia, a similar inclination exists in China and is increasingly being utilized within the United States. Merz concluded by stating that the world has fundamentally altered, requiring a reevaluation of Germany’s security posture.
