Germany has announced plans to create a national institute dedicated to the safety and security of artificial intelligence, as part of broader efforts to strengthen the country’s cybersecurity and resilience against emerging digital threats.
The decision was unveiled following a meeting of the National Security Council chaired by Chancellor Friedrich Merz. According to the federal government, the new institute will be tasked with evaluating advanced AI models, assessing their potential risks and enhancing cooperation with international organizations working in the field.
The institute will also facilitate information sharing with foreign counterparts and contribute to the development of common international standards for the responsible management and governance of artificial intelligence technologies.
The initiative comes amid growing concerns over the impact of advanced AI systems on cybersecurity. During its meeting, the National Security Council reviewed the implications of increasingly sophisticated AI models for Germany’s digital security environment.
Berlin has recently signaled its intention to implement an “active cyber defense” strategy aimed at strengthening the country’s ability to respond to the rising number of cyberattacks. Authorities believe that artificial intelligence is making some cyber threats more complex, effective and difficult to detect.
According to figures from the Federal Ministry of the Interior, around 334,000 cybercrime cases were recorded in Germany in 2025, with nearly two-thirds originating from abroad or from unidentified sources.
Alongside the creation of the AI safety institute, the National Security Council approved plans to revise security-related legislation to better address current defense and security challenges.
The proposed reforms are intended to ensure the continuity of essential supplies and the protection of critical infrastructure during times of crisis, both for the civilian population and the armed forces.
German authorities also presented a comprehensive defense strategy designed to strengthen national resilience in the face of evolving technological and security risks, particularly those associated with the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence.
