Britain and Germany are set to unveil a new security partnership focused on countering cyberattacks, sabotage and other hybrid threats, as the two countries’ leaders meet in Berlin on Thursday.
The partnership will centre on intelligence sharing and closer coordination to identify, deter and disrupt threats targeting critical infrastructure, including cyber operations and acts of sabotage, Downing Street said.
The move comes amid growing concern in both London and Berlin over what they describe as an expanding hybrid threat from Russia across Europe and beyond.
UK, Germany Step Up Security Cooperation
British officials have repeatedly warned that hostile states, particularly Russia, are using methods that fall below the threshold of conventional military conflict.
UK ministers were also due to brief defence companies and operators of critical national infrastructure last month on the risks posed by potential Russian activity.
The new partnership is expected to strengthen cooperation between the two countries in monitoring threats and responding to attacks against vital infrastructure and digital systems.
Germany Raises Alarm Over Russia
Germany’s foreign intelligence chief warned on Monday that the country’s confrontation with Russia had entered a more dangerous phase.
“The confrontation we are facing with Russia has taken on a new, more dangerous dimension,” he said, highlighting the growing security challenges facing Germany and its European partners.
Concerns have also been heightened by a recent drone-related incident at Leipzig/Halle Airport.
Last month, Germany said it had concluded that Russia was responsible for an attempted drone attack at the airport in August.
Against this backdrop, the UK-Germany partnership is expected to deepen cooperation on protecting critical infrastructure and countering cyber and sabotage threats.
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