About Security Council
National security is a very broad term that encompasses the security of the individual, society and the state in the face of both internal and external threats.
National security involves priority areas such as state security, public safety, socioeconomic security and security in the spheres of defense, information, the military and international affairs.
The need for constant analysis and strategic planning regarding all security issues, as well as the drafting of presidential decisions, necessitates the existence of a special constitutional advisory body accountable to the President. This body is the Security Council.
The Security Council drafts policy proposals on defending the vital interests of individuals, society and the state against internal or external threats. The Council also helps determine a uniform state policy on security and helps ensure the President’s ability to carry out his constitutional duties in defending human and civil rights, as well as Russia’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity.
The Security Council is formed by the President in accordance with the Constitution and the Federal Law “On Security”. The President chairs the Council and appoints its members. The secretary of the Security Council who answers directly to the President oversees the Council’s work and its Office.
The Security Council was formed in 1992.
The Security Council Office is a separate department of the Presidential Executive Office; its status within the Presidential Executive Office is that of a directorate.
In order to carry out its functions, the Security Council forms inter-agency commissions, which operate as its principal working bodies. Depending on the task, these commissions can be formed on a functional or regional basis, and can be permanent or temporary.
In order to provide scholarly expertise for the Council’s work, there is a Scholarly Council made up of representatives of the Russian Academy of Sciences, specialized academies of science and educational institutions, as well as other academics and experts.
Regular meetings of the Security Council are held according to a schedule set by the Chairman (the President of Russia); if necessary, the Council can hold extraordinary meetings. The Chairman defines the agenda and order of the day based on recommendations by the Secretary of the Security Council. The Chairman presides over meetings, while the Secretary holds working meetings with Council members on a regular basis.
The Security Council draws up crucial documents defining conceptual approaches to national security.
