Security summit targets hybrid threats to German economy

By Ahmet Taş | Wise News Press

BERLIN, GERMANY — The 19th Security Conference, jointly organized by Germany's domestic intelligence service, the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV), and the VSW-Bundesverband, convened in Berlin to address the growing hybrid threats targeting the German economy and to formulate new defense strategies.

Held on March 19 under the theme "Ready to Defend? Germany's Economy in Times of Hybrid Attacks," the event brought together security experts from both the public and private sectors. The conference is deemed critical for protecting businesses against cyberattacks, sabotage, and industrial espionage, as well as for ensuring civil-military defense integration.

A 25-year strategic partnership

The Verband für Sicherheit in der Wirtschaft e.V. (VSW-Bundesverband), which operates as an umbrella organization for economic security in Germany, unites numerous state and professional associations nationwide. Operating under its new structure and name updated in the summer of 2025, the association plays a central role in protecting businesses within an increasingly complex security landscape.

The BfV has been working in close cooperation with the VSW for over 25 years to ensure the effective protection of German companies.

Analyzing the anatomy of hybrid threats

The event, which was open to the press and experts, commenced with a live podcast broadcast by the international media outlet POLITICO. The session featured BfV President Sinan Selen and the Ambassador of the Republic of Estonia, Marika Linntam. During the broadcast, the exact meaning of the term "hybrid threat," the actors behind these attacks, and the insidious methods they employ were analyzed in detail.

A new National Economic Security Strategy

Following the opening panel, representatives from the state and private sectors discussed best practices and potential solutions. Christoph de Vries, Parliamentary State Secretary at the Federal Ministry of the Interior (BMI), presented the German government's new "National Economic Security Strategy" to the attendees. Following the presentation, discussions were held with representatives from industry, associations, and security agencies regarding how future state-private sector cooperation will be structured.

Full integration of civil and military defense

The closed-door segment of the conference focused on the interaction between civil and military defense mechanisms. Speakers in this session included Giulio Gullotta, Head of the Civil Defense Equipment Department at the Federal Office of Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance (BBK), and Colonel (GS) Armin Schaus, Head of the Civil-Military Cooperation Department at the Bundeswehr Operational Command.

The event concluded with a closing panel titled "The Economy Affected by Hybrid Attacks," where security experts from the industrial sector evaluated the extent of the damage caused by hybrid attacks on the economy.

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