The G7 Interior Ministers said on Friday 18 November that they were determined to fight against the "
hybrid threats
" to security, heightened by the war in Ukraine, whether it concerns the risk of damage to critical infrastructure or manipulation of information.
Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine "
has had a significant impact on the internal security of the G7 countries
", according to the final declaration adopted by the interior ministers of the group of seven countries which met in an abbey in Eltville (west), not far from Frankfurt.
A “hybrid threat”
This meeting took place the same week as the fall on Polish territory of a missile which caused two deaths, a new illustration of the vast repercussions of this war.
The conflict has inflamed what the G7 calls "
hybrid threats
" from "
state and non-state actors
" aimed at sowing "
insecurity
" and "
division
" among "
partners and allies of the international community
", according to the statement.
Read alsoNew G7 emergency financial support for Ukraine
These threats are aimed in particular at the critical infrastructures that should be “
protected
”, writes the G7, referring to the alleged sabotage at the end of September of the Nord Stream gas pipelines in the Baltic Sea.
Therefore, it appears “
crucial
” to establish “
partnerships at the national and international level, including with the private sector, to become more resilient.
The manipulation of information is "
a growing challenge for democratic societies, governments and institutions around the world
", according to this statement.
But “
Putin will not succeed!
“, hammered the German Minister of the Interior Nancy Faeser, host of the summit, during a press conference.
“
We will counter lies with facts.
We will encourage cooperation in tracking down disinformation networks
,” she added.
Concretely, the Minister announced the desire to “
work more closely and in a network
” on the subject, citing as an example the progress made by France in terms of fact-checking carried out with civil society.
Read alsoAt the G7 summit, Olaf Scholz finally hopes to assert himself
They also warned of new threats that could arise from the presence of foreign fighters in Ukraine and the increased circulation of weapons in the region.
“
A small number
” of volunteer fighters in Ukraine “
could pose an increased threat upon their return
,” they said.
G7 ministers pledged to work closely with Ukraine on "
a strict arms control regime
" to prevent the illegal trade in firearms and ammunition.
The group of seven industrialized countries includes Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Japan, Canada and the United States.