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White Paper 2006 Introduces Concept of Globally Networked Security
Ambassador Klaus Scharioth presented the “White Paper 2006 on Security Policy and the Future of the Bundeswehr” at the Atlantic Council’s seminar, “Perspectives on the Transformation of German Security Policy,” on December 1. He was joined by Defense Attaché General Dr. Henning Hars. The white paper, published on October 25, charts the course for the transformation of German security policy and the German armed forces. The security environment, Ambassador Scharioth said, has changed dramatically since the last white paper was edited in 1994. That year, the German Constitutional Court ruled that, for the first time, Bundeswehr forces may be deployed beyond the NATO area. Today, nearly 10,000 German soldiers are participating in international missions in the Balkans, Afghanistan, Lebanon, in Africa and the Caucasus. The 2006 white book introduces the concept of globally networked security, whereby Germany’s security is inseparably linked to the political development of Europe and the world. Security cannot be guaranteed by the efforts of one nation or by armed forces alone. Here, Ambassador Scharioth stressed the fact that NATO remains the cornerstone of German security and defence policy. At the same time, he pointed out the necessity that the EU, which stands for political stability, security, and prosperity, must contribute to its security to a greater extent than in the past. The strategic partnership between NATO and the EU is one of the pillars of the European and transatlantic security architecture. German security policy today, Ambassador Scharioth said, is based on a comprehensive concept of security that is forward looking as well as multilateral. In regard to the transformation of the role the Bundeswehr should play in the future, Ambassador Scharioth pointed out that the Bundeswehr has already undergone the most fundamental transformation in its existence towards an army with enlarged and broadened capabilities and is still changing significantly. For the foreseeable future the most likely tasks will be the prevention of international conflicts and crisis management, including the fight against terrorism. German Defense Attaché General Dr. Henning Hars went into more detail about the military aspects of the paper. Germany has to take into account the commitments made to NATO, the EU and the UN concerning provision of troops for multinational operations and reaction forces, General Dr. Hars stressed. Permanent participation in the NATO Response Force involves a commitment of about 15,000 soldiers. Further, Germany has promised to provide an initial joint contingent of up to 18,000 soldiers as part of the European Headline Goal, which includes Germany’s contribution to the EU battle groups. Currently, General Hars said, almost 10,000 soldiers are participating in UN, EU and NATO operations. The development of new, future orientated structures, which has begun and will be concluded by 2010, focuses on the optional capabilities of the Bundeswehr, General Dr. Hars said. The armed forces are consistently geared towards likely tasks and are broken down into three categories: reaction forces with 35,000 soldiers, stabilization forces with 70,000 soldiers and support forces with 147,500 soldiers. As General Dr. Hars stressed, the milestones on the path to transformation have been set. December 4, 2006 Link
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