Ukraine war looms large over German reassessment of national security

German Foreign Minister, Annalena Baerbock, has called for Germany to take a more active international role for peace, as Berlin reassesses its national security position at a time of war in Europe.

“No country, not even Germany, can be neutral when it comes to questions of war and peace, right and wrong,” Baerbock said on Friday, as her ministry began work to flesh out a new security strategy.

“In light of Russia’s massive breach of our peace order, we need to translate the principles that guide us into practical policy even more clearly,” the minister added, referring to Russia’s invasion of neighbouring Ukraine.

The priorities are “a clear value-based bearing, a strengthened capacity to act, and sharpened foreign and security policy instruments,” according to a Foreign Office tweet.

Baerbock pointed to Germany’s history as a reason to rethink Berlin’s role on the world stage, saying that “German guilt for war and genocide” gave cause for “a special responsibility.”

This means the obligation to “stand by those whose lives, freedom and rights are threatened,” she said.

The German Foreign Office’s work on a new national security strategy will draw on cooperation with other ministries, as well as with parliamentary parties and Germany’s partners, such as the European Union and NATO.

The national security overhaul was already planned last year as part of the coalition agreement of Germany’s new centre-left government.