Germany grants intelligence agencies sweeping new powers to counter hybrid threats
Chancellor Merz's cabinet approved a major overhaul of the country's foreign and domestic intelligence services, granting them authority to conduct offensive cyber operations, sabotage, and covert actions against foreign threats.
Historic Shift in German Intelligence Policy
Germany is preparing one of the biggest shake-ups of its intelligence services in decades. A sweeping reform package unveiled by Chancellor Friedrich Merz's coalition would hand the BND and BfV new powers to run covert operations, launch cyberattacks and sift huge datasets with AI, as Berlin confronts what officials call a hybrid campaign of sabotage and espionage by Russia and others.
What Changes?
The reforms, which have been under discussion for several months, would significantly loosen restrictions that have traditionally limited Germany's intelligence agencies largely to collecting information and providing assessments to policymakers. Chancellor Friedrich Merz's coalition government argues that stronger intelligence capabilities are necessary as Germany faces an increasingly complex security environment, particularly amid Russia's war against Ukraine and growing concerns over espionage, sabotage, cyberattacks and disinformation.
On Wednesday, the cabinet approved the changes, which would give the BND offensive powers, allowing its agents to conduct sabotage, carry out offensive cyber operations and pursue more aggressive forms of espionage. The BND would face fewer data-protection limits, gaining greater scope to use tools such as artificial intelligence and facial recognition and to retain data for longer periods.
Historical Context
For decades, Germany's foreign intelligence agency, the BND, and domestic intelligence service, the BfV, have operated under strict legal constraints shaped in part by the abuses of Nazi Germany and communist East Germany, as well as strong constitutional protections for privacy and civil liberties.
For foreigners and residents in Germany: this reform reflects the government's response to real security incidents, including the discovery of explosives-laden drones at airports. While the expanded powers mark a significant departure from post-war principles of limited state surveillance, the changes are subject to parliamentary oversight and constitutional safeguards. Expats should be aware that data-protection rules are loosening slightly, though Germany's privacy protections remain among Europe's strongest.
Sources
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