UK and Germany launch counter-hybrid threat partnership
The UK and Germany commit to a joint partnership on countering cyber-attacks, sabotage and hybrid threats, as leaders meet in Berlin.
The story in focus
The UK and Germany have committed to a new counter-hybrid threat partnership aimed at identifying and disrupting hostile activity, including cyber-attacks and sabotage. Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced the move during talks in Berlin with Chancellor Friedrich Merz, alongside a regional growth forum and ratification of the 2025 Kensington Treaty.
- The partnership focuses on sharing information and coordinating action against hybrid threats.
- Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Chancellor Friedrich Merz met in Berlin for their first face-to-face talks.
- The leaders also convened a UK-Germany Regional Growth Forum and ratified the 2025 Kensington Treaty.
Partnership scope and goals
The UK and Germany have committed to a counter-hybrid threat partnership to tackle hostile activity that threatens security and prosperity in both countries. According to the government, the partnership will involve sharing information and coordinating action to monitor, deter and disrupt threats, including cyber-attacks, sabotage and risks to critical infrastructure.
The government states that the joint action will degrade hostile actors’ capacity to operate in Europe and build resilience. It identifies Russia as a particular source of hybrid threats, though it does not detail specific incidents or attribution for past attacks.
Leaders meet in Berlin
Prime Minister Andy Burnham travelled to Berlin for talks with Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Their first face-to-face meeting also covered support for Ukraine, instability in the Middle East and disruption to global trade routes such as the Strait of Hormuz.
The two leaders convened a UK-Germany Regional Growth Forum with British and German CEOs, focused on unlocking investment and strengthening industrial partnerships. The announcement builds on the 2025 Kensington Treaty, formally ratified the same day, which commits the countries to deeper cooperation on science, technology, defence, security and growth.
What does the UK-Germany counter-hybrid threat partnership aim to do?
It aims to identify and disrupt hostile hybrid activity, including cyber-attacks and sabotage. The countries will share information and coordinate action to monitor, deter and disrupt threats, with the goal of degrading hostile actors’ capacity to operate in Europe.
Sources & further reading
Help keep the record accurate. Send a correction.
