Friedrich Merz: Russian disinformation and hybrid attacks threaten Germany
At a Berlin conference Merz warned Moscow is attacking the post‑Cold War political order and said Europe will defend its commercial interests against China.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said today that Russian disinformation and hybrid attacks constitute the greatest threat to Germany’s security, and warned that Moscow is mounting a fundamental assault on the political order established since the end of the Cold War.
Concerns spelled out in Berlin
Speaking at a conference in Berlin, Merz framed the Kremlin’s influence operations as a direct challenge to Western institutions and public trust. He argued the campaigns go beyond isolated incidents and amount to a systematic attempt to weaken democratic resilience.
Merz also addressed economic tensions, saying: "Europe does not want a trade war, but will defend its commercial interests from competition from China." He presented that stance as part of a broader effort to protect European industry without provoking open conflict.
The chancellor added that his chief worry is "the influence of Russia on Western societies," linking the information campaigns to broader geopolitical objectives and societal erosion.
Analysts note Merz’s remarks reflect growing concern in Berlin about the mix of cyber, media and covert actions that experts describe as hybrid threats. German officials have in recent years increased investment in counter-disinformation measures and resilience programmes aimed at public institutions and media.
Merz’s comments come amid a wider European debate over how to balance economic ties with strategic competitors while defending democratic systems from external meddling.
Photo: press material from the event
