Germany's First National Security Strategy Targets Russia and Addresses Growing Threats.

Germany has released its first national security strategy, which identifies Russia as the biggest threat to security in Europe. However, the policy provides few concrete steps or new funding to deal with emerging defense challenges. The document reiterates Germany's commitment to spend 2% of its GDP on defense but qualifies that commitment by saying it will be met as "an average over a multiyear period." The plan also outlines aims to bolster investments in critical-infrastructure protection, cyber capabilities, effective diplomacy, civil protection, stabilizing partners, and dedicated humanitarian assistance and development cooperation.